Melvin J. Kliment

Melvin J. Kliment, age 84, lifelong resident of Mishicot, died Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay.

Melvin was born January 30, 1940, to Ervin and Olive (Troullier) Kliment. He was a graduate of Mishicot High School with the class of 1958 and attended two years at the Manitowoc County Teachers College, then furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He married the former JoAnn Schlies August 12, 1967, and she preceded him in death on December 22, 2015. Mel taught school for 39 years including 38 years for the Mishicot School District before retiring in the year 2000. After his retirement he continued working for the district 25 years where he substitute taught, drove school bus, and the shuttle van. In August of 2023, he was honored for a total of 60 years of service for the Mishicot School District.

Melvin served on many committees and organizations throughout his life. He served 24 years as a Trustee on the Mishicot Village Board. For most of these years, he served as Parks Director.

Melvin was very involved with the Mishicot Area Growth and Improvement Committee (MAGIC). One of the enjoyable MAGIC activities Melvin led was during the annual Village PumpkinFest celebration, when he would help with the pumpkin judging contest. For his many village contributions over his life, he and his wife JoAnn received the Lifetime Service Award in 2010.

Melvin was an instrumental member of the Mishicot Summer Concert Series, helping to organize concession groups and preparing the concert setting each and every Wednesday evening.

At his home parish of Holy Cross, Melvin served as an usher for many years. He was a member of the Board of Education, a Parish Trustee, on the Cemetery Association, on the Parish Council, and a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus member.

Melvin assisted the Mishicot School District by running the football clock for middle school and varsity football games for more than 50 years. He operated the basketball clock for over 40 years. In Spring, he judged track and field events for many years.

Melvin coached the youth of Mishicot. He coached middle school basketball for Mishicot Middle School and at Holy Cross School. He also coached little league baseball in Mishicot, as well as the Mishicot Pony team in the Manitowoc County Youth Sports league.

Melvin also served as a timekeeper for Silver Lake College basketball games, when needed.

The Lakeshore All-Sports Hall of Fame honored Melvin Kliment in 2009 with an Achievement Award, and again in 2018 with the Al Fenlon Commitment to Excellence Award.

The Mishicot Hall of Fame honored Melvin in 2010-2011 with the Community Service Award.

Melvin enjoyed playing music. In his teens, he started a polka band known as the Melvin Kliment Orchestra. Melvin played with the Herb Duescher Band, the Gordy Reckelberg Orchestra, and the Ray Rollins Orchestra. He also played clarinet in the Two Rivers Community Band for several years.

More recently, Melvin was a member of the Happy Hoppers Dance Club, acting as treasurer of the club for 2 years.

Melvin's outreach to the community extended to his delivering Meals on Wheels for the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for the past 2 years.

Melvin enjoyed many other interests, including reading, camping in Door County, listening to polka music, cutting lawn, fishing, cutting wood, enjoying a bonfire in his front yard, and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include three sons & one daughter-in-law: Allen Kliment of Mishicot, Douglas and Jennie Kliment of Chilton, Randy Kliment of DePere; two grandchildren: Kate and Madeleine Kliment; two step-grandchildren: Brent and Sara Villarreal; and a very special friend of 7 1/2 years, Patricia Kelly. He is further survived by two sisters-in-law, Diane Hamblin of Manitowoc, Carol (Francis) Jorasz of Newton; one niece, Amy (Kevin) Sonnemann; two nephews: Eric and Justin Hamblin; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, and his wife JoAnn, he was also preceded in death by his step-mother, LaVerne; an infant daughter, Debra; and a brother-in-law, Terry Hamblin.

 The family will greet relatives and friends at the Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home, 344 S. State Street in Mishicot, Friday, January 24, 2025, from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. The evening will conclude with a parish prayer service at 7:00 p.m., led by Deacon Mike Valenta.

Visitation will continue at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot on Saturday morning after 9:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church with the Rev. Dave Pleier officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Parish Cemetery, Mishicot.

Online condolence messages may be shared at LambertEckert.com.

A memorial fund has been established in his name.

Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home of Mishicot is assisting the Kliment family with funeral arrangements.