Melvyn "Mel" L. Crisp

Melvyn “Mel” L. Crisp, born on July 28, 1938, in Akron, Ohio, peacefully passed away on May 21, 2024, at the Bloomer Hospital. He was the beloved son of Walter R. Crisp and Geraldine P. Harter.

Mel graduated from Memorial High School in 1956 and went on to earn degrees in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Medical Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC). In 1959, he married Mardee (Geibel), and together they had two children. Later, in 1999, he married Barb Swan, expanding his loving family.

Throughout his life, Mel was a dedicated and influential member of his community and various organizations. His commitment to the Kiwanis Club was exemplary, serving in numerous leadership roles including Charter Club Vice President, President, Secretary, Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Lt. Governor for seven clubs in Division 16 of the Kiwanis International, District Interclub and New Club Building Chair, and Kiwanis Wisconsin-Upper Michigan District Governor. As the youngest person to hold the office of Kiwanis International Governor at the age of 34, he was honored as a "Distinguished Governor" for administrative excellence. Mel received several prestigious awards, such as the 5 Diamond level Hickson Fellow, Legion of Honor, International Foundation Life Fellow, Zeller Award, and many more.

Mel's dedication extended beyond Kiwanis. He served as a deacon and usher chair for over ten years, and as President of St. John’s Lutheran church council for two three-year terms. He was instrumental in establishing and chairing the church endowment fund, as well as overseeing a significant $250,000 handicap access project.

In addition to his extensive community service, Mel was deeply involved in music. He was the first drum instructor with the Eau Claire Drum and Bugle Corps, played with the Eau Claire Municipal Band for 25 years, the Chippewa Valley Symphony, and served as the percussion section leader for the Chippewa Valley Concert Band. He also directed the St. John's Lutheran church of Bloomer senior choir and performed with the church Praise Band and the Chippewa Valley Bagpipers.

Professionally, Mel dedicated 37 years as the Laboratory Director at Bloomer Hospital. He was an active member of the Wisconsin Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, AARP certified grief instructor, and served as Charter President for the West Central Branch. His leadership in the field of clinical laboratory science earned him the Omicron-Sigma distinction and nominations for member of the year for the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

Mel was preceded in death by his first wife, Mardee, his brother Richard “Dick” Crisp, both his parents, his grandson Jacob Hetke, his sister-in-law Debbie Schwartz, and his brother-in-law David Conrad.

Mel's legacy lives on through his wife Barb, and their children John Crisp (Peggy Moore), Duane Swan and Dayna Thomas along with his brother Jim (Josie) Crisp and a large loving family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mel will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and the profound impact he made on his community and loved ones. His contributions and the love he shared will be forever cherished.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church located at 1403 Newman Street, in Bloomer. Visitation from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, on Monday, May 27, 2024 at Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer and again one hour prior to the funeral on Tuesday at the church. Burial will be at the Bloomer Cemetery following the service. Military Honors will be performed by the Bloomer American Legion, VFW and AMVETS.