In his younger days, Dick was the owner of Mel's Beer Garden, which later became the Stardust; he also worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Dick was the owner of Mellen Sales and Services until his retirement in 1987. He was a founding and charter member of the Howard-Suamico Optimist Club. Dick enjoyed golfing, hunting, playing cards, snowmobiling and being outdoors. He will be remembered for helping out many friends over the years.
Survivors include his wife, Lois; six children: Michael Kathy Mellen; Rick Cheryl Mellen; Tom Dana Mellen; Mary Jo Robert Pfotenhauer; Pat Mellen and Pam; Cindy Tim Smith, all of Green Bay; their mother, Marty Mellen-Ratskoff; five stepchildren: Debby Jim Wanner; Rick Jeanne Allen; Julie Darol Zachary; Dean Jenna Allen; Scott Marla Allen; eighteen grandchildren; one brother, Jule 'Butch' Mary Jo Mellen; four sisters Joan Jack Gillis; Marilyn Jim Johnson, all of Green Bay; Alyce Guzman, Stevens Point; Patricia Gerald Roek, California. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sandra Mary Mellen.
The family received friends at the Pfotenhauer Funeral Home West, 1145 Cardinal Lane, Howard, on Friday, March 23. Mass of Christian Burial was conducted 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Howard, with the Rev. Gregory Smith officiating. Entombment in Ft. Howard Memorial Park. Andrew J. Pfotenhauer, Funeral Director.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Richard's name at the funeral home.