Melvin Staab (June 12, 1930 - June 18, 2013)

Salem - Melvin Staab passed away Tuesday evening, June 18th at his Salem home, with his wife of 60 years at his side.

The eleventh of twelve children, Mel was born in Hays Kansas to Adolph and Amelia Wasinger Staab on June 12, 1930.

Mel came to Salem with his family when he was 7. He attended St. Joseph's and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1950. He worked many jobs as a child and young man including as a canary mechanic. Mel joined the Army and served as a Corporal in Europe as a small arms expert and earned a sharp-shooter medal.

Upon leaving the Army he and Kay married and Mel studied to become a "Tinner" and was considered a master craftsman in custom sheet metal work. He worked at Reiman's Sheet Metal and was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 16 union for 25 years, then he owned Montag of Salem. In addition, Mel and Kay owned and operated K & M Nursery, propagating and selling Rhododendrons wholesale to various large retail nurseries throughout the Northwest.

Mel was preceded in death by both parents, sisters Regina Cathcart, Lucille Prockish, Morella Pfeifer, Anita Weber, Helen Prantl, Rozelle McGuire, Norma Gregory and Bernice Staab. Brothers Constance and Arlin Staab.

Mel leaves his wife Kay Ross Staab of 60 years, daughters Stephanie (Richard) Linn of Newport, Shannon Ross of Salem and his son Stacey Staab (Shu-fang Cane) of Diamond Bar, Ca. Mel is also survived by four amazing gran-daughters - Leslie (Jason ) Brown of Newport, Kellie Linn of Newport, Kendra (Christopher) Buckingham of Portland and Ashley Larson of Salem. Mel also had the joy of a beautiful great gran-daughter Holly Kay Brown of Newport. Mel will be very missed by his loving brother Marcel Staab of Portland and his many neices and nephews.

A rosary will be will be held on Thursday, June 27th at 6 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 575 East College St. Mt. Angel. Funeral services will be held on Friday June, 28th at 2 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Unger Funeral Chapel, Mt. Angel. A graveside service with military honors will follow the funeral service at Calvary Cemetery, Mt. Angel.

In retirement Mel enjoyed many fishing trips on his boat "The Raven". He and his brothers Mar and Arties made many memorable trips together.

Mel generously shared his many skills building and remodeling with everyone he loved, always ready and willing to take on a project with family.

To Mel's many friends and family, thank you for your love and support, especially to Mel's sister-in-law Shirley Jones who always made him smile - even in his last days. A special word of thanks to Salem Regional Hospital and Dr. Harold Harmon for the professional care and kindness they shared.

Unger Funeral Chapel On-line