ASHTON — Melvin Allen Haenitsch, 93, of Ashton, passed away on June 6, 2025, at OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center, Dixon, IL. Born on June 19, 1931, in Asthon, IL, to William H. and Lucille (Beaber) Haenitsch. Melvin was employed as both a farmer and mechanic at Stauffer’s One Stop in Dixon, IL. He had a passion for camping, riding motorcycles, and snowmobiles, and was known for sharing stories during quality time with his family and friends. He was a committed member of Grace Fellowship Church in Sublette, IL, and served honorably as a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He is preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Wilma, three sons, Russell and Ryan Haenitsch, David Sarver, and daughter-in-law Jeanette Haenitsch.
Melvin is survived by his children Rob (Christy) Haenitsch, Randy (Linda) Haenitsch, Kayla (Steve) Cotone, Wes Sarver, Shirley (Tom) Wedekind, Rick (Linda) Sarver; his grandchildren Cody, Jesse, Cheyenne, Shawn, Zach, Jeremy, Gabriella, Greyson, Cory, Jessica, Calianne, Christopher, Jeff, Matt, and Jeremy; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Saturday June 14th, 2025, from 10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. at Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Home, 704 N. 6th St. Rochelle, Il 61068. The funeral service will be at 12:00 P.M., followed by a graveside service at Ashton Cemetery in Ashton, IL. Celebration of life to be scheduled at a later date.
