Gary N. Melstrom, age 77, of Prescott passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the Prescott Nursing & Rehabilitation Community after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born February 24, 1939 in Trimbelle Township, the son of Edward and Ollie (Whipple) Melstrom. He was a 1956 graduate of Ellsworth High School and a 1966 graduate of UW River Falls. He was a social worker in Polk County for 6 years and worked at Great Western Iron and Metal and North Star Steel as a millwright for 17 years. Gary was united in marriage to Mavis Swanson on April 25, 1964 in Ellsworth, WI.

He was a member of Northwestern Lodge #105, F. & A.M., St. Croix Valley Shrine Club, Eastern Star Chapter #116, St. Croix Valley Road Runners, the Scottish Rite and the Prescott United Church of Christ. He gave freely of his time volunteering in the gardens at the Great River Road Visitor Center and for Citizens Adopt Parks. He also served on many church boards and committees.

Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, grilling, boating, traveling, classic cars and his forever favorites the Green Bay Packers and Badgers. He was a great handyman and could fix just about anything. Although seemingly quiet, he was the source of much laughter and will be dearly missed.

Preceding him in death are his parents; sister, Betty Rosenow; brothers, Glen, Royce and Charles; two nephews, Tom and Peter.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Mavis of Prescott; two children, Kristi (Howie) Sampson of Prescott and David (Rob) Melstrom of Santa Rosa, CA; one grandson, Parker; four brothers, Perry (Dorene) Melstrom, Dale (Marianne) Melstrom and Duane Melstrom all of Ellsworth, Donald (Beverly) Melstrom of Durand; brother-in-law, Bob(Diane) Rosenow of Litchfield, MN; two sisters-in-law, Lois Melstrom and Liz Melstrom both of Ellsworth and mother-in-law, Fran Swanson of Prescott. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 30 at the Prescott United Church of Christ. Visitation will be 4-7 PM, Tuesday, March 29 at the church and for one hour before the service on Wednesday. A Masonic service will be held at 7 PM at the church on March 29. Interment will be at Pine Glen Cemetery in Prescott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: Shriner’s Hospital for Children, United Church of Christ – Prescott or Freedom Park.

Hill Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prescott, is assisting the family.