Melvin Dean Lampe, 93, of Jackson, Missouri died Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Southeast. He was born June 12, 1932 in Campbell Hill, IL to Theodore and Elenora (Rathert) Lampe.

Mel grew up in Campbell Hill, IL and graduated from Trico High School. 

He and Rita Mae Wehrheim were married August 2, 1952 in Wichita Falls, Texas. 

Mel, who served in the United States Air Force, was stationed in El Paso, TX until employment took them to Chester, IL and then Lancaster, CA, where they were members of Grace Lutheran Church and Mel's career spanned 35 years at McDonnell-Douglas as an Instrument technician and supervisor in Flight Test. They moved to Lexington Park, MD in 1965, until work moved them back to California in 1967. They moved to and lived in OFallon from 1972-1990, where they were members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. In 1991, they retired to Whispering Valley Lakes in New Haven, MO, where they were members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Mel and Rita moved to Jackson, MO in 2000, where they became members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, in Cape Girardeau.

 Mel was a devoted husband and caretaker to Rita and great father. They were faithful servants in the church family's where they attended. Melvin and Rita loved family and extended families and cherished many friendships through the years of travel and work. Mel enjoyed various hobbies including photography, electronics, and landscaping.

Survivors include daughter, Pam (Randy) Kluesner of Cape Girardeau, MO; son, Jeff (Veronica) Lampe of St. Ann, MO; brother, Leonard Lampe; two sisters, Darlene Kraft, Loretta Luedeman; sister-in-law, Donna Parker; many loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by wife and parents; two brothers-in-law, Danny Kraft, Wayne Luedeman; sister-in-law, Arlene Lampe.

 Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. 

Visitation will continue 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville, IL.

 Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville, IL. Burial will be at Paradise Cemetery in Bremen, IL.

 Memorial contributions may be given to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, MO or Saxony Lutheran High School, Jackson, MO.