Melvin E. Hunter

Melvin, “Mel” Hunter passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 9, 2023. He was born May 20, 1933 in Maiden Rock, (Warrenton Hamlet), Wisconsin to Glen and Clara Hunter.

As a child, Mel grew up in rural Wisconsin on the family farm. Throughout his childhood he and his brothers hunted, fished, camped, and roamed the area around Maiden Rock, Pine Creek, and Lake Pepin, Wisconsin. Mel attended school in Maiden Rock and Ellsworth, Wisconsin.

At the age of 17 he and several of his brothers decided to make the trek to Idaho, and moved to Idaho. During his life, he met the love of his life, Grace Barney. They were married on December 28, 1952 and just recently celebrated their 70^th Wedding Anniversary.

After several years, they became parents to Arlene, and later Gary, Larry, Karen, and Gloria. During life, he worked farming, lumberjacking, and construction. He had resided mainly in Southern Idaho, but also lived in Wyoming, Utah, and Northern and Southwestern Idaho. Mel did spend several winters in Arizona.

Mel was one of the world's greatest storytellers and could tell you in detail many of his childhood adventures and his adult and working adventures as well. Mel could remember everyone’s name and great details about what happened and where it took place.

The Lord and his Faith were paramount in his life. He worshiped his savior daily with vigor and prayed daily. He was recently asked what his greatest pleasure in life was, and he replied, “The Lord and my Family.” We are sure he is out exploring the grandeurs of the heavens as he embarks on his new adventures.

Mel loved spending time with all members of his family and especially enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, motorhome trips, family dinners, reunions, and casual drives throughout Idaho’s Countryside.

He loved to be known as a “Master Mechanic”, and that he was. Anything mechanically from large to small he could and would undertake to repair. He could repair a broken down D9 Caterpillar and get it running or could also meticulously repair his grandson's broken eyeglasses.

Mel is survived by the love of his life and wife of 70 years Grace; two sisters: Linda and Clarice; two brothers: Ralph and Bernard;  four children: Arlene, Gary, Larry, and Karen; eight grandchildren: Kelcey, Ashley, Jordan, Michelle, Christopher, Chelsea, Spencer, and Sylvan; eight great grandchildren; and a huge host of friends and other family members.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents: Glen and Clara; four sisters: Doris, Deloris, Colleen, and Wanda; three brothers: Gordon, Gene, and Rex; his daughter, Gloria; and granddaughter, Kenya.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, with a viewing beginning at Noon, Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave, Jerome. Graveside service will conclude at Jerome Cemetery.