Melvin J. Karlan

Melvin J. Karlan, age 93, of West Chester, Ohio, passed away peacefully Monday, March 28, 2016.  Melvin was born Tuesday, July 18, 1922 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Joseph and Florence (nee Murray) Karlan, and raised in love by Marie (nee Feldhaus) and Stan Rape.  He served in the United States Army during World War II receiving the EAME Theater Ribbon with six Bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Medal.

As a machinist, Melvin spent most of his days inside so he took advantage of spending as much time as possible outdoors.  He was quite the landscaper with a lawn so well manicured you would think it was artificial.  He would spend his Saturday's pulling weeds, cutting grass, trimming, and working in his vegetable garden.  It was not unusual for Melvin to have 20-25 tomato plants!  Melvin enjoyed playing golf with his wife, Helen and continued to play well into his 80's.  Melvin had a poker face that could fool anyone.  This sweet man would sit down and quietly play the game, but before you would know it, he had taken all of your money.  For several years, Melvin retreated to Florida as a snowbird to enjoy the sunshine. Melvin enjoyed the company of others and always brought a smile to those around him.  He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Melvin was preceded in death by: his parents, Joseph and Florence Karlan , Stan and Marie Rape; wife, Helen (nee Hertel) Karlan; brother, Stan Rahe; and a great-grandson, Craig.

Melvin is survived by: his children, Jim Karlan and Pat Levo; grandchildren, Tony (Tonya) Levo, Debi (Dave) Jones and Tina (Matt) Williams, great-grandchildren, Tori, Katie, Kayla (Isaac), Nick, Dani (Ben), Brooke, Madi and Lila; great-great grandson, Oliver; and many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 1, 2016 from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Saviour Church, 4118 Myrtle Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236.  Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Donations made in Melvin's memory may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.  Send condolences to MuellerfuneralS.com 513-398-9100