Melvin L. Deml

1942-2025

Melvin L. “Butch” “Mel” Deml, age 83, of Edgerton, died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at his home. He was born in Medford on June 12, 1942, the son of the late LeRoy and Kathryn (Westrich) Deml. Butch was a 1960 graduate of Medford High School where he played football and ran track. Upon graduation he served in the Army National Guard from December 1960 through February 1963. In his early adulthood he played 2nd base for the Medford Merchants Baseball Club. He was the leadoff hitter and would always provide a hit when they needed one. The Merchants won a couple of Dairyland Baseball League championships. He married Terryl “Terry” A. Engel on March 4, 1972, in Medford. She preceded him in death on July 18, 2024. Butch worked at Tombstone Pizza in Medford before moving their family to Edgerton in 1986 where he joined the Edgerton Public Works department. He retired in 2007. During the summers, Butch spent most nights and many weekends at a ballpark. He would play on many teams including the Tombstone Pizza 35 and older team as well as the Gorke Auto Sales team. Mel was an umpire for various softball leagues in both Dorchester and Edgerton over the years, but hunting was a true passion. Even in his later years, he still enjoyed attending deer camp even if not going in the woods.

He is survived by his two children, Jill (Joseph) DuPont, of Waterford, and Eric (Cindy) Deml, of Evansville; step-daughter, Sarah Cliver of Unity; eight grandchildren, Luke, Logan, Holden, Noah, Camden, Shawn (Angel), Jake (Jackie), and Michael (Jess); six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley Kellnhofer and Mary Deml; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cathy (Allan) Peissig, Barb (Jeff) Bublitz, Beaner (Randy) Stockwell, Jaycine (Gary) Geiger, and Jim Newcomb; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Terry; sister, Joan Diedrich; and in-laws, Ray Diedrich, Ted Kellnhofer, Susie Newcomb and Dennis (Jan) Engel.

A Celebration of Life will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at the Apfel Ehlert Funeral Home, 315 Lord St. (Hwy 51) Edgerton. Memorials in Mel’s name can be made to the Edgerton VFW.

For online condolences: www.apfelfuneral.com

Paid Obituary 176652