  Melvin Ray Beach, age 82, of Sac City, IA, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2015, at Loring Hospital in Sac City, IA. Melvin was born on June 1, 1932, in Sac City to Earl and Helca (Ammer) Beach. He graduated from Sac City High school in 1951.
  In 1952, Melvin was married to Pat Saddoris. They were the parents of four children: Janell, Tony, Steve and Jackie. They divorced in 1970.
  Melvin farmed north of Sac City from 1952-1956. He and the family moved to Sacramento, CA, where he worked in the Missile Industries, Aero-Jet General Corp from 1956-1966. After moving back to Sac City he worked at the Coast to Coast store from 1967-1968 and then worked for the vets, Pollack and Bottorff from 1968-1986. He would end his working years at the Soil Conservation Service from 1986-2002. He enjoyed woodworking and caring for his yard.Â
  In 1972, Melvin and Mary Nicholson were married at the First Christian Church with Rev. Fred Marsh officiating. Melvin held many offices including: deacon, trustee, board moderator and assisted with the youth groups. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He had a delightful sense of humor, and loved to tease and tell stories. Melvin will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
  He is survived by his wife, Mary; his four children: Janell Weitzel of Aurelia, Tony (Shellie) Beach of Des Moines, Steve Beach of Des Moines and Jackie Long of Decatur City, IA; step children, Brenda Wickershiem of Omaha, NE and Scott Nicholson of Storm Lake, IA; 9 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother Bill (Marilyn) Beach of Sac City; sisters: Arline (Eldon) Horton of Odebolt, Marjorie Horton of Sioux City, and Carol Zigalla of Mesa, AZ; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
  Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Helca Beach; parents-in-law Joe and Vi Goecke; brother-in-law Don Goecke and baby boy McCarthy.
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  Thank you Janell, Tony, Steve and Jackie for sharing such a good Dad. He not only was your father, but became our Dad too. We learned so much from him over the years. He made no judgement on any of us, but wanted all of us to lead our lives through Christian values. He was so talented in woodworking and I will treasure those things he made for us. His sense of humor will be missed. I am thankful for his time he shared with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were able to have memories and be a part of a very special and good man.   Dad, you will be truly missed.   Brenda & Scott |
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  My father use to tell a story about a small boat I had built using his tools. He said it had so many nails in it that it never would have floated anyway. I had swept the sawdust under the rug and was grounded from using his tools for two weeks. He told that story for 50 years and just recently I figured out why. It’s not what I always did, but that he always wanted me to do the right thing and my life would be OK. I’m grateful he always cared about me and I will always remember what he tried to teach me.   Tony |
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  Dad, You were a very special person in so many peoples lives. You were a loving husband, a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather brother, uncle and friend to many people. You taught us to work hard and take pride in what we do. You taught us to be respectful to others, honest, caring and loving. You had a wonderful sense of humor that made everyone smile, you listened, gave us advice and supported us in our decisions. I know we didn’t always do what was right, but you still were always there for us. You always worked hard, had a beautiful yard, and made so many nice things for us in your shop.  The most important thing you did in your life was love us. We love you and miss you so much.                                       |
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Melvin Beach My Dad   It was hard for me to move out of Sac City knowing Dad & Mary needs their son there but Dad understood why I had to leave! That’s the kind of person my Dad was!! I put a small post on Facebook yesterday saying that it was one month since Dad passed away. A friend I met a week ago posted this back to me!! I never had the opportunity to meet your Dad!! If he was anything like you are!! He had to be an amazing man. Just have one more thing to say, When I had my shop!! Dad always told me that I was his “Favoriteâ€. I’m pretty sure Dad thought each of us was his favorites. |
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  When people talk about my dad, it is common to hear what a great man he was. He was a hard worker and took pride in everything he did. Dad’s hobbies included woodworking, working in the yard, and watching Hee Haw every Sunday night. He loved to joke around with everyone he knew and who he had just met. Dad loved to tell his stories especially about his kids. He was a proud father, grandpa, and great grandpa. His family and friends will truly miss him.   Jackie |
