Ardell Gerald Melby, age 93, of Whitehall, died on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 in the Pigeon Falls Health Care Center in Pigeon Falls.

Ardell was born on September 2, 1923 in Northfield, WI to Roland and Marie (Olson) Melby. Ardell married Tekla M. Kwosek on May 7, 1947 in Independence. Tekla preceded Ardell in death on May 6, 2014.

Ardell served in the United States Navy. He worked at the Trane Company in LaCrosse and did some trucking and drove school bus. 1953, Ardell began employment at the Trempealeau County Health Care Center in Whitehall as farm manager and later as head engineer prior to his retirement in 1985.

Ardell taught welding for the LaCrosse Vocational Technical School of LaCrosse. He enjoyed working on John Deere tractors and lawn mowers. He also enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, bird and deer hunting, fishing trips to Canada, spending time at the cabin in Buffalo City, performing with the Mid-Westernairs and doing volunteer work at the Gundersen Tri-County Care Center in Whitehall.

Ardell was a member of the American Legion Post #186 of Independence of which he was a member of for 70 years. He was also a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Whitehall and was active in its various organizations.

Ardell was devoted to his Lord and his family.

Ardell is survived by a son, Roger (Shirley) Melby of rural Pigeon Falls; a daughter, Carol (John) Hestekin of Elk Mound; three grandchildren, Craig (Ashley) Johnson of Eau Claire, Tiffany (Justin) Crotty of Monroe and Stephanie Melby of Eau Claire; three great-grandchildren, Hayden, Hunter and Bentley Johnson; a brother, Aldon "Mac" (Marion) Hendrickson of LaCrosse; two sisters-in-law, Clarice Henrickson of Coral City and Judy Hendrickson of New Mexico.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ardell was preceded in death by three brothers, Leonard Melby, John Henrickson and Paul Hendrickson.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in Saint John's Catholic Church with burial in the Lincoln Cemetery both in Whitehall. Father Woodrow Pace will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post #186 of Independence.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall where a Christian prayer service will be held at 3:00 p.m. followed by a parish rosary. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

The Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall is assisting the family with arrangements.