1931
2017
14318 S. LaGrange Road
Orland Park, Illinois
Koel, Melvin J. Age 86, U.S.A.F. Veteran, late of Tinley Park. Beloved husband of the late Eleanor M. (neé Banaszak); dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. Retired Berwyn firefighter with many years of dedicated service. Visitation Wednesday 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Thursday 9:15 a.m. from Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service), 14318 S. LaGrange Rd. (Northbound traffic: U-turn permitted at 143rd St.), Orland Park to St. Elizabeth Seton Church Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 708-460-2300 or thornridgefuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
I am Melvin's cousin; I have known him all his life. He was a fine and giving men. His entire life was devoted to service: the US Army and then as a firefighter, both brave actions of a good man who never considered himself a hero, but did what he thought was right. All who knew him liked him. He was never mean of inconsiderate of the feelings of others. He spoke well of everyone, or said nothing of those who obviously deserved criticism. Too bad there are not more Melvins in this world. He took care of his mother until she died. Married late in life and was a devoted husband, the best. Please pray for Melvin and all of us left in this life who loved him and will miss him.
Gloria Leonard
Family
February 21, 2018
Having just learned of Melvin's death, I'm saddened by his loss. Melvin was a first cousin of my father, Col. Kenneth Plummer (buried at Arlington NC in Virginia).
In recent years, Melvin and I kept in touch via phone & letter. We traded family history and talked about people we both recalled, and some I only knew through him. I discovered why so many folks held him in high regard. He was a loving husband to Eleanore and -- from a Polish family point of view -- a considerate and caring son to his mother, my great-aunt Wanda, until the day she died. A joyful man. Warm and easy-going. Swapping tales with him was good fun, especially hearing about his fishing ventures when he got lucky. He will be missed but reside in my family memories, fondly.
Diane Plummer
February 18, 2018
We miss you already dear friend. Lunch at McDonalds will never be the same without you. I'll miss our talks as will others that enjoyed your company. Virginia will miss you the most. Safe passage my friend.
Sue Carey
Friend
December 5, 2017
Mel was an active parishioner at Saint Stephen Deacon and Martyr Church since the parish began. Everyone knows where Mel sat at Mass each morning, and he made sure our holy water fonts were always full. He enjoyed homegrown green peppers to add to his beef sandwiches, as well as homemade banana bread. We also remember seeing Mel and his dear wife Ellie at daily Mass at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church. May songs of the angels welcome Mel into eternal life with our Lord.
Keith and Sharon Grill
December 5, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
DS
December 4, 2017
I did not know Mel or his family well; but I share a bond with him as a Berwyn Firefighter. I will keep you all in my prayers and hope you have many fond memories of him.
FALLEN
Rest now my fallen brother
Lay soft your suffering back
Rest well and forever
Your memory shall not lack
Rest your tired hands
Wipe clean your weary brow
Rest with St. Florian
Your spirit now endowed
Rest here your breaking heart
We know you gave your all
Rest easy, you've done your part
You've answered your last call
Rest knowing that in God we sought
Oh lord, watch over another who just fell
Rest assured your troubled thought
As we ring the final bell.
MEL KOEL
Served the Berwyn Fire Department
May 16, 1961 November 30, 1993
Mario Manfredini
BFD / L-506
Mario Manfredini
December 4, 2017
I am deeply sorry for your family's loss. May your hearts find comfort in God's beautiful promises for the future. John 6:40
December 4, 2017
With sincere condolences from Chief Denis O'Halloran Berwyn Fire Department. Mel has left us with many memories from the past. May he rest in peace
Denis O'Halloran
December 4, 2017
With deepest sympathy, I was very sorry to read about Mel, I will pray for his peace and your family. Love Karen
Karen Zewe
December 3, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
The Staff of Thornridge Funeral Home
December 3, 2017
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Dec
7
9:15 a.m.
Thornridge Funeral Home of Orland Park (Janusz Family Funeral Service)14318 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, IL 60462
Funeral services provided by:
Thornridge Funeral Home of Orland Park (Janusz Family Funeral Service)14318 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, IL 60462
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more