Melvin
Melvin Chandler
d. June 4, 2014
Melvin B. "Chick" Chandler, 81, of rural Oquawka, Illinois and Mesa, Arizona, died Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at Banner Medical Center in Mesa. Services are 10:00 AM Saturday, June 14, 2014 at the Keithsburg Christian Church. Burial is in the Little York Cemetery where graveside military services will be conducted. Visitation is 4-8 p.m., Friday at the church. Fippinger Funeral Home in Aledo is serving the family. Memorials may be left to West Central High School FFA and online condolences can be made at www.fippingerfuneralhome.com.
He was born October 3, 1932 on the family farm that he currently owns and operates in Bald Bluff Township, Oquawka, Illinois to George and Florence Bear Chandler. He graduated from Biggsville High School in 1950.
Chick was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He attained the rank of sergeant and served with the Scout Dogs.
On November 8, 1957, he married Betty Joan Wheatley. Chick later married L. Jane Sackman Bertelsen on August 11, 1983 in Memphis, Missouri.
He returned home to take over the family farming operation and did custom work for area farmers. He spent his entire life as a row crop, grain and hog farmer and for many years raised cattle in Illinois and with friends on ranches in Nebraska. He purchased and excavated area farms and loved to turn raw land into fertile farming operations.
He was a member of the American Legion, VFW Moose Lodge and Elks Club, Henderson County Farm Bureau and the Fountain of the Sun Country Club in Mesa, Arizona.
Chick enjoyed trap shooting, traveling, boating on the Mississippi River and dancing. Chick was a licensed pilot and regularly attended morning coffee with friends where he shared stories about the farm and his family. He was a friend to everyone, told many jokes and had an infectious laugh.
Survivors include his wife, Jane of Oquawka, IL; three sons, Kevin Chandler; Mark (Debbie Hager) Chandler; Todd Chandler, all of Oquawka, IL; three step-children, Mike Bertelsen of Aledo, IL; Laura (Mike) England of Lake Ozark, Missouri; Andy (Erin) Bertelsen of Flagstaff, AZ; five grandchildren, Austin, Amy, George and Justin Chandler of Oquawka, IL, Dalton Chandler of Monmouth, IL; five step-grandchildren, Derek Bertelsen of Chicago, IL; Jessica England of Fayetteville, AK; Jackie Sue Bertelsen of Macomb, IL; Evan and Wesley Bertelsen of Flagstaff, AZ; a brother, Larry Chandler of Oquawka, IL; nieces and nephews.
His parents preceded him in death.
He was born October 3, 1932 on the family farm that he currently owns and operates in Bald Bluff Township, Oquawka, Illinois to George and Florence Bear Chandler. He graduated from Biggsville High School in 1950.
Chick was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He attained the rank of sergeant and served with the Scout Dogs.
On November 8, 1957, he married Betty Joan Wheatley. Chick later married L. Jane Sackman Bertelsen on August 11, 1983 in Memphis, Missouri.
He returned home to take over the family farming operation and did custom work for area farmers. He spent his entire life as a row crop, grain and hog farmer and for many years raised cattle in Illinois and with friends on ranches in Nebraska. He purchased and excavated area farms and loved to turn raw land into fertile farming operations.
He was a member of the American Legion, VFW Moose Lodge and Elks Club, Henderson County Farm Bureau and the Fountain of the Sun Country Club in Mesa, Arizona.
Chick enjoyed trap shooting, traveling, boating on the Mississippi River and dancing. Chick was a licensed pilot and regularly attended morning coffee with friends where he shared stories about the farm and his family. He was a friend to everyone, told many jokes and had an infectious laugh.
Survivors include his wife, Jane of Oquawka, IL; three sons, Kevin Chandler; Mark (Debbie Hager) Chandler; Todd Chandler, all of Oquawka, IL; three step-children, Mike Bertelsen of Aledo, IL; Laura (Mike) England of Lake Ozark, Missouri; Andy (Erin) Bertelsen of Flagstaff, AZ; five grandchildren, Austin, Amy, George and Justin Chandler of Oquawka, IL, Dalton Chandler of Monmouth, IL; five step-grandchildren, Derek Bertelsen of Chicago, IL; Jessica England of Fayetteville, AK; Jackie Sue Bertelsen of Macomb, IL; Evan and Wesley Bertelsen of Flagstaff, AZ; a brother, Larry Chandler of Oquawka, IL; nieces and nephews.
His parents preceded him in death.
American Legion
Army
Army
Elks Lodge
Farm Bureau
Korean Service Medal
Moose Lodge
National Defense Service Medal
United Nations Korean Service Medal
VFW
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Visitation Details
Friday, June 13th, 2014, 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Keithsburg First Christian Church
Service Details
Saturday, June 14th, 2014, 10:00am, Keithsburg First Christian Church
Interment Details
Little York Cemetery
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