Melvin L. Siverly, 86, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 1, 2023 at Allure Knox County, with family by his side.
Melvin was born at home August 6, 1936 in rural Stronghurst, Illinois the son of Loren and Naomi (Kaighin) Siverly. Melvin attended college at Western Illinois University and the University of Illinois and later finished his Bachelor of Speech/Communications degree at Monmouth College in 1976.
On August 31, 1958, Melvin married Joyce Hodges at the Harrison Avenue Methodist Church in Burlington, Iowa. She survives in her Galesburg home. Also surviving are their four children: sons, Bryan (Dianne) Siverly of McKinney, Texas and William (Marlena) Siverly of Carthage, Illinois; and daughters, Carol Ann Somberg of Madison, Wisconsin and Kathy (Bob) Hofmann of Charlotte, North Carolina. Melvin enjoyed spending time with his beloved ten grandchildren, Joshua (Autumn) Siverly, Allison (James) Wilson, Jessica (Carmen) Mugnolo, Kyle (Ellen) Hofmann, Emily Somberg, Ben Siverly, Dana Siverly, Abby Somberg, Elijah Siverly, and Issac Siverly; and eight great grandchildren. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Leland; and one sister, Wanda.
Melvin’s work career included 30 years working at Butler Mfg. in Galesburg, retiring in 2001. After retirement, Melvin worked as a substitute teacher in area schools for 10 years. He was a proud member of the United Steel Workers Union, served in the community as a member of the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, served for a time on the Galesburg Public Library Foundation Board, the Library Book Club, and was an active member of Galesburg First United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. Melvin enjoyed the Arts, being active in college and community theater in Galesburg and Monmouth. He portrayed historical figure Wyatt Earp in Monmouth for many years. He was active with Habitat for Humanity, participating in trips to assist in building homes, as well as Angel Tree Prison Fellowship for several years. He was a founding member of Galesburg’s Rock-Steady Boxing group that was great therapy for his Parkinson’s disease. Melvin was a certified master gardener and enjoyed tending to his expansive backyard garden, gazebo, and pond. He was a talented artist and enjoyed oil painting.
Visitation for Melvin will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Galesburg First United Methodist Church, funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Vince Rohn officiating. Private interment will happen later at his final resting place, Hope Cemetery in Galesburg, within view of the new Public Library building that Melvin dreamed of visiting someday. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations be made in Melvin’s memory to First United Methodist Church or the Galesburg Public Library Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
