Melvin “Mel” Wilgenbusch, 85, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Rickardsville, died Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids with his wife and children by his side.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Melvin will be 10:30 am Friday, July 31, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rickardsville, with Father Douglas Loecke as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rickardsville.

Melvin was born February 1, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Ralph and Mabel (Pfeiler) Wilgenbusch. On September 2, 1963, he married Marlene Cummer in Balltown, IA.

Mel spent most of his life farming near Rickardsville, a vocation that reflected his strong work ethic and love of the land. Mel and his wife lovingly raised six children on the farm. After moving into the town of Rickardsville in 1996, he began a second career as a bus driver for the Western Dubuque Community School District where he safely transported generations of students over 25 years. He loved the kids on his route. On his first day of retirement, he sat on his patio waiting for the bus to come down Rickardsville hill, so he could wave to the kids.

Mel proudly served his country in the Iowa Army National Guard for six years alongside his twin brother, Merl. In May 2022, he was honored to participate in the Veterans Honor Flight with his brothers, Don and Merl, along with his son Todd as his guardian.

Mel was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville, where he faithfully served as a parish caretaker, Eucharistic Minister, and Sunday collection counter. He was also dedicated to his community, serving on the Rickardsville Town Council, serving as a Dubuque County Soil Conservation Commissioner, and with the Sherrill Fire Protection Association. Mel was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters for 75 years and was a Legion of Honor Recipient. He enjoyed bowling with his wife, playing Euchre with his family and friends, and sharing stories and visiting with family and friends. He often attended his grandchildrens’ activities, especially after he moved to Cedar Rapids. He took great pride in watching his granddaughters at Regina and grandsons at Xavier and Coe College, and some youth sports and activities of his youngest grandchildren. Mel never met a stranger and easily made many friends at the condo where he and Marlene made their new home after retirement. Known for his quick wit and warm personality, he had a remarkable gift for genealogy and seemed to know how everyone was related. In the machine shed, he could build, repair, or rig just about anything, often with a little Gorilla Glue, and believed that nothing should be thrown away because “you never know when you might need it”. Above all, Mel’s life was rooted in farming, family, and faith. These values will live on in his children and grandchildren who will greatly miss him.

Survivors include his wife, Marlene; his six children, Michael (Erin) Wilgenbusch of Story City, IA, Lisa (Scott) Nielsen of Cedar Rapids, IA, Kristine (Cory) Bonnett of North Liberty, IA, Kelli Artley of Cedar Rapids, IA, Todd (Jocelyn) Wilgenbusch of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Luke (Abby) Wilgenbusch of Clive, IA; 13 grandchildren, Thomas (Sarah) Wilgenbusch, Riley Wilgenbusch, Anne Wilgenbusch, Grace (Cesar) Martinez, Gabe (Jessica Carreras) Nielsen, Megan (Isaac) Highum, Emily (Blake Berns) Bonnett, Kaleb Wilgenbusch, Nolan Wilgenbusch, Lucas Wilgenbusch, Eli Wilgenbusch, Addison Wilgenbusch, Maya Wilgenbusch; one great-grandchild on the way in November; four brothers, his twin, Merl (LaVonne) Wilgenbusch of Rickardsville, IA, Don (Norm) Wilgenbusch of Rickardsville, IA, Eldon (Gin) Wilgenbusch of Rickardsville, IA, Loras (Susan) Wilgenbusch of Victor, IA; in-laws, Bob (Donna) Cummer of Rickardsville, IA, Doris (David) Steger of Dyersville, IA, and Terry (Sue) Cummer of Eldridge, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Jayden Patrick Wilgenbusch, son-in-law, Steven Artley, and brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Betty Wilgenbusch.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Melvin Wilgenbusch Memorial Fund.

Mel’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, especially those on the 4th floor and the rehab unit, for the outstanding care, compassion, and encouragement they showed Mel throughout his journey.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Mel’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.