Melvin E. Oberhaus

Melvin E. Oberhaus, 91, of Davenport, died Friday, March 29, 2024 at Genesis East, Davenport surrounded by his family.  

Funeral Service and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Davenport. Burial will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery with military honors immediately following the service. Family and friends are invited back to the church after burial for a luncheon in Enright Hall located in the church basement. 

Visitation will be held from 10-11 prior to Mass on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church.  Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. 

Melvin E. Bleile was born on September 20, 1932 in Balltown, Iowa, a son of John and Loretta (Hinde) Bleile.  He was the foster son of William Oberhaus.  He proudly served in the Army during the Korean War, primarily stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood. Melvin married Joann Rauch on October 1, 1955 at Holy Family Catholic Church and together they raised their four children.  She preceded him in death February 27, 2021 following 65 years of marriage and memories.

Melvin worked as a cabinet maker for S & S Wood Shop in Davenport.   He later worked for the Davenport Community School District.  

As a young man, Melvin enjoyed riding his motorcycle.  He bowled on a league for many years and played many rounds of golf during the warm weather. Melvin enjoyed playing cards with his wife and friends.  Later in life he looked forward to the game of Rummy Royal with the family at the dinner table. He was an avid fan of the Cubs, Bears, and Hawkeyes.  Melvin loved being with his family and a warm hug from a great-grandchild always put a big smile on his face. 

Those left to honor his memory include his children: Vicki (Jim) Kohl, Deb (Vince) Viren, Mark (Denise) Oberhaus, all of Davenport; and Tracy (Jeff) Harris, Eldridge; eleven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and two on the way.

In addition to his wife, Joann, Melvin was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Brittany; his parents, foster father, and siblings: Earl Oberhaus, Bernice Bleile, Darlene Bleile, and Louella Rosa.