Melford "Mel" Abraham

August 23, 1923 – February 20, 2015

From the 95th BG Memorials Foundation Facebook page:

In deep sadness, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association report that Melford “Mel” Abraham of Waite Park, MN, left formation on 20 February 2015 at the age of 91. Mel was a pilot with the 412th. He passed away with his family at his side. Folded wings.

Mel’s obituary in the Minneapolis “Star Tribune” reads,

“A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Melford ‘Mel’ Abraham, age 91, of Waite Park, will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Pastor Paul Dare will officiate and burial at Camp Ripley Cemetery with military honors will take place after the luncheon. Mel passed away early Friday morning with family by his side. There will be a visitation for family and friends at 10:00 AM until the time of service Thursday at the church. Arrangements are being made with Miller-Carlin Funeral Home, St. Cloud.

Mel was born on August 23, 1923 in rural Gaylord, MN to Paul and Louisa (Spiering) Abraham. He grew up with four siblings and after graduating high school, he joined the military. Mel proudly served his country as a member of the US Air Force for over 20 years. On June 22, 1946, he married Marcia Klucking in Gaylord and together they raised two children. Mel's military career helped define who he was: a hardworking man with honor, integrity, and honesty. He was a gentleman at all times. Mel was the manager of Donaldson's Department Store and retired after 40 years with them. Those he worked with enjoyed his kindness, strength and leadership. Mel was also a man of great faith and was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Mel is survived by his wife of 68 years Marcia, Waite Park; children Paul (Jo-Ellen) Abraham, Eagan; Lee (Michael) Kaehler, St. Cloud; 4 grandchildren Peter Abraham, Sarah Kaehler, Jennifer Abraham, and Andrew Kaehler; as well as many other family and friends. He was preceded by his parents Paul and Louisa and his siblings Arnold, Viola, Esther, Gertrude, Ralph, and Raymond. Memorials in lieu of flowers are preferred to the Scholarship Fund at Prince of Peace Lutheran School in St. Cloud.”

Gerry Abraham, Mel’s great-nephew, wrote the Heritage Association with the news of Mel’s passing. Gerry added that Mel “made it back to Horham in 1986 with one of his buddies. He had great memories of the treatment he received from the folks there.” Gerry himself hopes to visit Horham one day also, as he will treasure memories of his great-uncle forever.