In loving memory of

Melvin Edwin Leu
December 22, 1940 - September 15, 2020

Melvin Leu, 79 of Malvern, IA passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the Bethany Lutheran Home in Council Bluffs, IA. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at the East Liberty Church, 30178 Hutchings Avenue, Malvern, Iowa with military honors and burial in the East Liberty Cemetery. There is no scheduled visitation. Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern is caring for Melvin and his family.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family will direct memorials

Melvin Edwin Leu, the oldest of four children of Edwin Gerhardt and Alma Alvena (Miller) Leu, was born on a farm near Hastings, Iowa. He grew up and attended Golden Hill country school and Malvern High School, graduating with the class of 1959. Melvin served in the Iowa Army National Guard. He was a lifelong Mills County resident where he farmed.

Melvin and Myrna Marie McMillen were united in marriage on December 28, 1963 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Hastings, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with five children, Michael Scott, Michelle Marie, Melissa Diane, Melanie Ann, and Marcus Daniel.

Melvin was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Dutch Gun Club and refereed many auto pushball games held at the July 4th celebrations. Melvin served as chairman and cemetery sexton of the East Liberty Cemetery Association for many years.

Melvin enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved to dance and oh my, the stories he could tell. Melvin knew no stranger. He was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and a good friend to all who knew him. Melvin loved spending time with his family who were his pride and joy.

Melvin was surrounded by his family at Bethany Lutheran Home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, when he went home to be with his Savior on September 15, 2020 at the age of 79. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Alma; and nephew Blake Leu.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 56 years, Myrna Leu of Malvern; children, Mike Leu and Amber Teachout of Trimont, MN, Michelle Morris and husband Chris of Glenwood, IA, Melissa Smith and husband Brady of Emerson, IA, Melanie Babcock and husband Scott of Elkhorn, NE, and Marcus Leu and Frida Guerreo of Malvern; 9 grandchildren, Jordan, Madeline, Allison, Lexi, Maci, Jack, Kade, Stella, and Sawyer; 3 great grandchildren, Reagan, Axel and Berkely; siblings, Phyllis Beck and husband Bob of Des Moines, IA, Byron Leu and wife Janet of Ottumwa, IA, and Kathy Wiemer and husband Dave of Mound, MN; nieces and nephews; many cousins and other relatives; and a host of friends.

Tributes

Jim Wheeler wrote on Sep 25, 2020:

"Dear cousin Myrna, Meri and I just heard about Melvin\'s passing. Our condolences to you and your family. Jim and Meri Wheeler"

Tina McMillen Ibitayo wrote on Sep 21, 2020:

"Although our family lived overseas, and did not get to see Uncle Melvin and his family often, every visit was memorable. Melvin\'s cheer and booming laugh, along with his unique gift of sharing countless anecdotes, will never be forgotten. Love and condolences to Aunt Myrna and family. Tina (McMillen) Ibitayo "

Allen Hall wrote on Sep 19, 2020:

"Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. So many fond memories of your family over the years. "

LINDA CADENA wrote on Sep 19, 2020:

"SENDING HUGS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY. "

Ronna Kaplan wrote on Sep 18, 2020:

"Sending my condolences to the entire family. Thinking of you all at this time, remember keep him in your heart and mind and think of all the good times you all had with him. Memories are what we all have and they can not be taken away. Love Ronna"

Bob Wray wrote on Sep 17, 2020:

"Such an awesome man. Starting to talk with him would always put a smile on your face."

Amy Iles wrote on Sep 17, 2020:

"Myrna and family, I am so sorry to hear of Melvin\'s passing. I think he was one of the first people I met after moving to the the \"neighborhood\". I as well as so many others will always have fond memories of his never ending stories, that only he could tell and that booming laugh. I guess those were just a couple of the gifts that Melvin shared with others. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! "

Ed and Sheila Flowers wrote on Sep 17, 2020:

"Sending prayers and love to the Leu family. Melvin was always great to Eddie and I. We will always remember his \" gift of gab\" . "

Matthew Knight wrote on Sep 17, 2020:

"Sorry for your loss. I wish you comfort ....Matthew Knight"

Janet Donelson wrote on Sep 17, 2020:

"Myrna and family I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers for you at this very sad and difficult time for you all. Melvin was a wonderful man and will be very much missed by the entire Malvern community. Sending my love and prayers. Janet Jones Donelson"

Dale Stephens wrote on Sep 17, 2020:

"Sorry for your loss. Melvin was one of a kind. Melvin will be missed."

Jennifer Burgoin-Comer wrote on Sep 17, 2020:

"The Leu Family - our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Melvin was one in a million. No matter what, a smile, a quick hug and ALWAYS a story. He had much to be proud of in his family and you all have some wonderful memories to hold close to you always. Much love - Don and Jen Comer, and family "

Rexanna Miller Salmons wrote on Sep 16, 2020:

"So very sorry for your loss, may all your loving memories comfort all of you during this difficult time. Love and prayers Rexanna Miller Salmons"

Nancy Bakehouse wrote on Sep 16, 2020:

"Myrna and family, we are so sorry to learn of Melvin\'s death. May your loving memories give you comfort and peace of mind. Sincerely, Nancy and Bach"

Kirk and Sherry Shearer wrote on Sep 16, 2020:

"Myrna and family, So sorry to hear about your loss. There will never be another man quite like him. Always had a huge smile and a story to tell. Always enjoyed our times visiting together and always learned something new. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our prayers go out to you and the family. May he be in that better place we are promised."

Brian Kruse wrote on Sep 16, 2020:

"Dear Myrna and Family. We are so sorry to hear of this sudden news. Losing someone we love is never easy, and please just know that we are here to support you. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Much love from your Glenwood cousins- Larry & Peggy , Brian & David Kruse-"

Tammy Waller wrote on Sep 16, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss. He was a great man and he has a great family! Love, hugs and prayers to you all."

Konnie Bartley wrote on Sep 16, 2020:

"I?ve been thinking all day today what stories & maybe a shot of whiskey Melvin & Bart are sharing.?? Thinking of you all & knowing this is a big loss for your family. ? Love, Konnie "

Richard D Ewing wrote on Sep 16, 2020:

"Condolences to the Leu family on your loss. from the R D Ewing family. "

Amy Henderson wrote on Sep 16, 2020:

"Melvin was a wonderful man who leaves a legacy to be proud of in Myrna, his kids and grandchildren. He?ll be so missed, and I?ll be keeping all of you in my thoughts during this time. "

Scott Hardman wrote on Sep 16, 2020:

"Melvin had alot to be proud of as he raised a great family that will continue to honor him for a long time to come. I am sincerely sorry for your lost. Scott Hardman"

Dixie Fritz wrote on Sep 16, 2020:

"Myrna, Thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy. Dixie Fritz "

Pat Mintle wrote on Sep 16, 2020:

"Myrna and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. I understand your grief and pain. Just know that Melvin is a young strong man again. Pain free and loving. Blessings and Love to you all."