Melvin Harold Thielbar

Melvin Harold Thielbar

Oct. 11, 1923 - Dec. 28, 2014

McCOOK, Neb. -- Melvin Harold Thielbar passed away at his home in McCook on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. He was 91 years old.

Melvin was born on Oct. 11, 1923, at Oberlin, Kansas, to parents, Guy L. and Della (Remington) Thielbar. He graduated from Danbury High School in 1941.

On Jan. 29, 1943, he entered the U.S. Army and served as a Field Lineman Specialist in Southern France, Central Europe and Northern Africa during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 14, 1945.

He was united in marriage to Carlotta R. Nauer at McCook, Nebraska, on Dec. 10, 1951. They just celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. They made their home in McCook, where they raised their four children, Christopher, Pamela, Larry and Candy. Melvin was employed by the Nebraska Department of Roads as a Shop Foreman for over 45 years of service at the time of his retirement.

Melvin was a member of the Lebanon VFW and Oberlin American Legion. He was also a member of the McCook Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 2769, where he served in all chair capacities of both local and state level. He was instrumental in starting the Eagle's annual charity auction, of which the monies received were all given back to local charities. He will be remembered for giving countless hours of volunteering his time on several committees for the Eagles.

Melvin was devoted to his wife. He and Carlotta loved to dance and spend time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also an avid Husker Fan.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Guy and Della Thielbar; son, Larry Edward Thielbar; sister, Iris Smith; brother and wife, Max and Doris Thielbar; and brother-in-law, Virgil Price.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carlotta Thielbar of McCook; son, Christopher Thielbar of Elk City, Oklahoma; daughters, Pamela and husband, Randy Messinger and Candy Farr. all of McCook; sister, Joyce Price of Norcatur, Kansas; seven grandchildren and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, from 2 to 6 p.m. with family greeting friends from 4- 6 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences to the family.

Funeral services will be Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, 2 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Pastor Bruce Lester officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. A funeral dinner will be Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Eagles Club.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.