Melvin Lawrence Kitchen

Melvin Lawrence Kitchen, 80 of Mancelona, died Aug. 10, 2022 after a valiant battle with cancer.  He was born Nov. 24, 1941 in Alba, the son of Robert and Eva (Davis) Kitchen.

   Mel lived life to the fullest.  There was always an adventure to be taken and a job to be done!  Known as a jack of all trades, he worked the first half of his life at Kitchen Farms before managing a meat packing place and being the service manager at Zaremba’s Equipment.  He also sold Real Estate, worked in construction, and flipped houses.  “Mr. Fix It Mel”, could fix anything and everything!

   He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially fishing in Canada.  He also enjoyed snowmobiling, taking a couple trips to Alaska.  He even raced snowmobiles, winning the I-500 in the Sault St. Marie in 1973.  Mel liked riding ATV’s including his Razr, and was a private pilot too.

   On May 15, 1998 in Boyne City he married Kathleen O'Dell who survives.  Also surviving are his children Teresa (Larry) Sully of Harrison Township, MI, Daniel (Kathleen) Kitchen of Gaylord, stepsons Ted (Michelle) O’Dell of Mancelona, Tod (Tammy) O’Dell of Mancelona, Michael (Wanda) O’Dell of Fredrick, Brian (Danielle) O’Dell of Mancelona, brother Robert (Harriet) Kitchen of Homer, AK, sisters Florence (Les) Dowker of Gaylord, Mary (Don) Gapinski of Gaylord, granddaughter Samantha (Jason) Sova of Gaylord and many other grandchildren and great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. 

   He was preceded in death by his first wife Carol, brother Bill, and parents.

   Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 12 Noon, at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor Michael O’Dell officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10 am until the time of service.  Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mancelona. 

   Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.