WASHINGTON…Melvin Otto Moehle, 88 of Washington, IL. passed away at 2:57 p.m., Friday, February 18, 2011 at Washington Christian Village.
Melvin was born September 17, 1922 in Okawville, Il to Walter A. and Minna Miche’ Moehle. He married Loraine Niermann on May 5, 1945 in Nashville, Ill. She preceded him in death on December 9, 2007.
Surviving are brothers Robert C. (Eleanor) Moehle of Rockford, Il and Edward C. (Carol) Moehle of Pekin, Ill.; daughter, Sharon “Shari” A. (Jerry) Maloney and daughter-in-law Patricia D. Moehle, both of Washington; grandchildren Stephanie (Jason) Mabe, Matthew (Amy) Moehle and Jonathan (Erin) Moehle all of Washington, Samantha Austin of Chicago; step-granddaughter, Kerry Maloney of New Orleans, La. and seven great-grandchildren.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, C. Frederick Moehle and Walter E. Moehle; son Gary W. Moehle and an infant son, Charles Moehle.
Mel graduated from Washington University in 1944 where he was a member and served as President of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was a World War II Navy veteran serving aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Solomons, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. After serving in active duty, he graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1948.
In 1950 he and Loraine moved to Washington where he worked for the law firm Heyl, Royster & Voelker in Peoria. Two years later, Mel started his own law firm in Washington and in 1966 formed a partnership with his brother Ed. During his professional capacity he had been admitted to practice in both the states of Missouri and Illinois and had been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He was past President of the Tazewell County Bar Association, served 4 years as Washington’s City Attorney, 20 years as Washington Township Trustee, 18 years as Park District Attorney, 21 years on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Washington, 20 years as Director of the Washington Nursing Center, 25 years as Executive Director and Counsel for the Illinois Healthcare Association and in 1970 Mel was awarded the Better Life Award from the American Health Care Association.
He and his wife Loraine were owners of Washington Nursing Center from 1975-1982. He also served for 12 years on the Illinois Central College Educational Foundation Board where he and his wife Loraine established several scholarships. Mel retired from his practice as a Senior Partner of Moehle, Swearingen & Umholtz in 2008. He was also very active and dedicated during his 50-plus years to his church, the First United Methodist Church, serving in many leadership roles.
One of his most lasting contributions to our community was his work in creating the Washington Park District in 1967, he was elected as the board’s first President. As a resident of the city of Washington, Mel participated in a leadership capacity in many local organizations and activities which include: Rotary Club (50-plus year member, President and recipient of the Paul Harris fellowship award), Civic Club (President and Board of Directors Member), Washington Jaycees (Board of Directors), Taylor Lodge #98 A.F.&A.M. (50-plus year member), American Legion Post 100 and Mohammed Shrine in Peoria.
One of Mel’s proudest moments was receiving the Washingtonian award in 1986. Mel’s leisure time was devoted to his family and friends. He and Loraine enjoyed wintering in Florida and many summer weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks. He remained an avid water and snow skier into his 80’s, he particularly enjoyed taking ski trips with his grandchildren. Mel and Loraine were avid dancers and were charter members of the Caper Club. As an aviation enthusiast and licensed pilot, Mel looked forward to his annual trip to the Osh Kosh air show.
As a Washington resident he devoted considerable time to community, government, social, professional and charitable organizations.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services for Mel will be on Wednesday, February 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Crossroads United Methodist Church with Pastor Bob DeBolt and Pastor Tom Goodell officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Military rites will be accorded at the graveside by the Unites States Navy and the Tazewell Military Rites Team. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to services on Wednesday. Mason-White Funeral Home is assisting the family in arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads United Methodist Church.