Melvern Joseph Janisch, age 93, of Ellsworth, died on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Ellsworth Care Center. He was born on January 26, 1931, with his twin brother Marvin in El Paso Township, the son of Victor and Eva (Birkel) Janisch.

Melvern attended Hines Elementary School and graduated from Ellsworth High School, class of 1947. Following graduation, he worked for a brief three years at the Cudahy Meat Packing Plant in South St. Paul until being drafted into the U.S. Military in 1951during the Korean War. He served the Army in the 101st Airborne, training in Fort Breckenridge, KY, after which he and his twin brother served abroad in Germany, in a former SS camp called Concern, with the Vermont National Guard. While stationed in Europe, he developed a love for travel, and he and Marvin experienced Europe on their available leaves.

After discharge from the Army, he became an electronic technician for Engineering Research, which later evolved into Sperry Rand. He worked there for 35 years, retiring at the age of 55. This early retirement allowed him and his brother the opportunity to pursue their love of travel, along with hunting and fishing. They enjoyed visiting 64 countries and took 28 trips to Alaska to fish and hunt.

Along with his two brothers, Melvern owned and operated a maple syrup business for over 30 years and many enjoyed the Janisch Maple Syrup. He was also active in the American Legion, where he and his twin brother organized the annual fish fries.

Melvern is survived by his sister Maritta (Ronald) John and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Victor and Eva Janisch, his sister Audrey (Francis) Foley, and his brothers Marvin and Eugene (Elizabeth Stachele) Janisch.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Melvern will be at 12:00pm on Friday, March 8, 2024 at St. Francis Catholic Church: 231 W Woodworth St, Ellsworth, WI 54011. A visitation will start 11:00am until the start of Mass. Melvern will be laid to rest next to his brother Marvin at Lost Creek Catholic Cemetery. Kinne-Engelhart Post 204 will present military Honors.

Memorials preferred to St. Francis Catholic Church: 264 S Grant St. Ellsworth, WI 54011, or Kinne-Engelhart American Legion Post 204: 139 S. Oak St. PO Box 205, Ellsworth, WI 54011.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, 715-273-4421