Melvin Harold Macrander, age 89, of Fremont, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2015, at Nye Legacy in Fremont.


Melvin was born March 1, 1926, in Westboro, Missouri, to Harold Ross and Alpha May (Hartley) Macrander. He attended and graduated from Northboro Iowa High School in 1943. Melvin entered into the U.S. Navy in 1944, trained and served on a small boat crew with 16 other sailors, who transported the demolition frogmen on four Andrew Jackson Higgins landing boats on many invasions in the Pacific. While traveling on the U.S.S Blessman APD-48, going out to lead the convoy on the invasion of IWO JIMA, the Japanese dropped 2 bombs, one of which went through the Mess Hall that Melvin had just walked thru, sat on his bunk to take off his boots and go to bed.49 men were killed, half of which were on Melvin's water demolition frog team. Melvin continuously and courageously tried to keep the raging fires from spreading.Melvin spent the night pouring water on the After Compartments bulk head trying to keep it cool so the 60 tons of Bangalore torpedoes would not blow up, this contributed in a large measure to saving the ship.For these heroic services at IWO JIMA, February 18, 1945, Melvin was awarded the Bronze Star. Other ribbons and stars were awarded before he was honorably discharged a Coxswain from the United States Navy on May 20, 1946 after going around the world almost twice in service to his country. He also was discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States of America, United States Navy on June 8, 1955.


Born to Melvin'smarriage following his discharge from the United States Navy,were his three children, Michael, Marty and Cindy. While helping raise his children he was also a farmer and a commercial truck driver.


Melvin married Shirley Johannesen Crist on August 29, 1969. At this time he was a farm machinery salesman, traveling the U.S. and Canada. His love of hunting and fishing has stayed with him his entire life. He and his wife, Shirley have spent much of their married life fishing the U.S. and Canada and spending vacations for 40 years in Mexico. After retiring they have wintered in Mexico, making many new friends along the way. Melvin never met a stranger.


Melvin is survived by wife Shirley of Fremont, Nebraska, sons Michael Macrander (Sharon) of Murray, Nebraska and Marty Macrander (Diane) of Union, Nebraska and daughter Cindy Wohlfarth (Alan) of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, grandchildren Angela Hogue (Bobby), Timothy Macrander (Amy), Alison Burns (Matt), Maquel Schippert (Andrew), Chaz Macrander (Kelly), Ashley Macrander, great grandchildren Dawson and Isabella Hogue, Axel and Greta Schippert, Liliana Burns, Cash and Drake Macrander, and Emily and Luke Macrander.Melvin was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.Melvin is also survived by sisters-in-law Martha Macrander, Pat Macrander, Catherine Currier, and Joyce Hamilton, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.


Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, brothers David Macrander and Max Macrander, sisters-in-law Emaline Kussman and Dorothy Wittrock.


Condolences may be left at www.duganchapel.com

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the charity of your choice.


Memorial Service will be Friday, September 11, 2015 at 11:00A.M. at Dugan Funeral Chapel.



Condolences may be left at www.duganchapel.com


In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the charity of your choice.


Memorial Service will be Friday, September 11, 2015 at 11:00A.M. at Dugan Funeral Chapel.