RIP Uncle Mel
Longtime Habitat volunteer dies after fall at site
The Post-Crescent • September 6, 2008
MENASHA - Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity on Friday announced the death of one of its longtime volunteers, who fell one story at a Seymour build site earlier this week.
Mel Hechel, 64, fell 8 to 10 feet from the main level of the house at 744 Foote St. onto the concrete basement floor early Tuesday morning. The incident occurred when the three-quarter-inch sheeting over the stairwell opening on which he was standing gave way. He died Thursday at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah.
"Mel was so much a part of our family here at Habitat," said executive director John Weyenberg. "He had been volunteering his skills to Habitat International since before our Fox Cities affiliate was even organized."
Hechel, who for the past 28 years owned and operated M.M. Hechel Construction, used his professional building expertise at Habitat sites across the country and at Jimmy Carter Habitat projects in the Philippines, South Africa, Hungary and Korea.
Work at the Seymour build site, which had stopped Tuesday out of respect for Hechel, has resumed at the request of Hechel's family. The family gathered there Thursday to share a time of remembrance with Habitat volunteers.
Weyenberg said plans are in the works for a memorial to honor Hechel.
The home is due for completion Nov. 8, with a dedication ceremony set shortly after that date.
Hechel, Melvin M. "Mel"
Mel Hechel, age 64, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2008, at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah. His death was a result of an accident that occurred while volunteering his skills on a building project for Habitat for Humanity. Mel was born in Appleton on July 7, 1944, son of the late Arthur and Hilda (Krull) Hechel, and grew up on the family farm, just west of town. He was a 1962 graduate of the Hortonville High School, and from 1965 until 1967 served his country as a member of the United States Army in Vietnam. Following his discharge, he married the former Barb Jooss in Appleton on June 26, 1970. For over twenty years, Mel worked for Arnold Seidler Construction in Appleton, but for the last twenty-eight years had owned and operated M.M. Hechel Construction. He was deeply involved with Habitat for Humanity projects, and volunteered freely of his time by taking on work all around the United States, not to mention his journeys to Hungary, Philippines, South Africa, and Korea. Many of these projects were part of President Jimmy Carter Work Projects. Mel also had a love for orchids and was a longtime member of the Northeastern Wisconsin Orchid Society. He also enjoyed watching high school sports, but dearest to him was the time he could spend being "Papa" to his four grandchildren.
Mel is survived by his wife, Barb Hechel, Appleton; two children: Kris (Ted) Erdmann of Appleton and their son Carter; and Matt (Sara) Hechel of Appleton and their children Macey, Rylie, and Brayden; four siblings: Mildred (Gerald) Batzler of Greenville, Margaret (Michael) LeMere of Tustin, Daniel (Carolyn) Hechel of Racine, and Emmy Hechel of Menasha; a sister-in-law: Kay Hechel of St. George, South Carolina; and four brothers-in-law: John (Shirley) Jooss of Appleton, Dr. Robert (Judy) Jooss of Twin Lakes, Tom (Toni) Jooss of Pell Lake, and Richard Jooss of Menasha. Mel is also survived by his dear friends and neighbors, Dennis and Carolyn Shea and their family, as well as his nieces and nephews who held a very special place in his heart, along with other relatives, friends, and associates.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Michael, infant nephews, and by Barb's parents Martin and Adeline Jooss.
A memorial service for Mel will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2008, at CHRIST THE ROCK COMMUNITY CHURCH, W6254 Highway 10-114, with Pastor John Slotten and Rev. Doug Bisbee officiating. Friends may call at the church on Sunday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. until the hour of the worship service. With his love for Habitat for Humanity, a memorial fund has been established in lieu of flowers.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the many individuals who offered the care, expertise, and love to Mel and his family during the past days. They include the many volunteers at the worksite, Seymour Fire, EMT, and Police Departments, Flight for Life, Theda Clark's Critical Care Unit, everyone in the Habitat for Humanity family, and to Dr. Monk Elmer for his years of guidance and friendship. We thank you for all you have done and will never forget your kindness.
Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231
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www.wichmannfargo.com