Melton Ammerman

In the heart of Melton Ammerman, there was no greater joy than the love of family. With quiet strength, he was an encouraging and caring man, and his positive nature was always a welcome addition to any conversation. Melt never fancied the extravagant things in life, and was content in simply being a good provider for the family entrusted to his care. Always handy and willing to help others, his thoughtful and considerate demeanor was one of the many things which drew others to his side. He had good, common sense, and through experience knew a lot about life and living. For these things and so much more, Melt will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Melton Charles Ammerman was the son of William and Reva (Porter) Ammerman. Born on December 21, 1934 in the community of Rockford, Michigan, he came into the world at a time when families struggled through the hardships of the Great Depression, and impending war overseas. People learned to find joy in the little things, like gathering around the radio or going to a picture show which allowed them to free their minds from everyday worries. Raised in nearby Grand Rapids, he grew up alongside his sister, Charlene “Kay”, and was affectionately known as Melt by his family and good friends.

As a youngster, Melton always loved the outdoors and nature. Not one for the city, he often looked forward to spending the summers of his youth on his grandparent’s farm. There he helped out, and experienced many adventures while making lasting memories. He did some hunting with his father, and enjoyed a childhood typical of his generation. Melton attended Palmer Elementary and liked sports. In high school he ran cross country, and had other interests in school as well, including a pretty young girl named Carole. Melt and Carole had a government class together, and even got kicked out of class one time for talking to each other so much. They began dating, went out often, and took in an occasional movie together. Melton always seemed to encounter a number of “flat tires” along the way, as well!

Three years after graduating from Creston High School, Melton and Carole were happily married on October 20, 1956 at Second Congregational Church. Since Melton had never really been north, they enjoyed a memorable honeymoon in northern Michigan. Always handy, Melt liked doing things right the first time. After marrying, he and Carole built a home next door to her parents. They did much of the work themselves, and with help from family. There they welcomed the blessing of two children into their lives with the births of Lynn and Fred.

To support his family, Melton tried his hand at a few jobs before settling in at Grand Rapids Tile and Mosaic where he remained for the rest of his career. He installed tile and carpet, and especially liked the challenges of a mosaic floor, or intricate work that required not only skill, but also artistic talent. Although his work found him traveling out of town several nights a week, he made the best of his time at home. Not one to be idle, he always had projects to work on.

A priority for Melton was spending time with family. He loved doing special things with Carole and the kids, like visiting the zoo, a day trip to Kalamazoo, walking the mall or enjoying a meal at Schuler’s Restaurant. As a family they enjoyed time spent together visiting his in-laws at their cottage at Upper Lake, but even while there, he often found something to work on. A good dad, Melton established a close bond with his immediate family that remained throughout his life, and for this he was truly thankful. In his earlier years he helped out with Fred’s Boy Scout troop, and liked spending time with the kids. When grandchildren came along, he enjoyed playing games with them. As they grew older, Melton enjoyed traveling to watch them in their various sporting and other activities, and it never mattered how far he had to go to do so.

Melton enjoyed a variety of interests. He maintained a large garden where he grew corn, but battling the pheasants was a constant annoyance for him. He particularly enjoyed puttering around his yard, and used his tractor for any task he could find. Even though he liked hunting, he’d never eat the foul. When it came to entertainment, Melt liked watching western movies, and especially liked old time country music. He enjoyed reading the newspaper, and loved to walk around Menard's so much he’d often lose track of time. With his considerate nature, Melt was always willing to lend a helping hand. He served in the National Guard, and was even deployed to help with the after effects from the 1956 Walker area tornado.

Over the years, Melton’s work eventually took a toll on his body. Before retiring in his late fifties when the company closed its’ doors, Melt underwent several knee and back surgeries. With a love for travel, he and Carole took the opportunity to enjoy the adventures of travel. They went to Alaska and Hawaii, and made a few trips out west. They especially liked Glacier National Park. For the most part, Melton spent more time at home and with family. He continued to suffer from knee and back issues, and got out when he could.

In general, Melt was a rather quiet fellow, yet he knew how to approach a stranger. He could easily break the ice, generally with a joke, but also had a knack for flirting with the girls! He wasn’t really a verbal communicator, and always said, "If you can't improve upon the silence, don't break it!" Melton was a thinking man and was well versed about life. He possessed good common sense, and knew how to read and treat people. He avoided conflict, and did his all to maintain a peaceful life. Content with life as he knew it, Melt was not a man with extravagant needs, but rather focused on being a good provider for his family.

Through the years, Melton’s health continued to decline. Yet a steadfast optimist, he never complained. About two months ago he broke his hip. Although he made every effort to recover, it seemed additional issues kept complicating his recovery. A special man in the hearts of those who loved him, Melton was a man with a hard work ethic, and integrity. He provided for his family well, and in them he found his greatest joy. Gone but never to be forgotten, he will be dearly missed.

Melton Charles Ammerman, age 80 of Grand Rapids, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Carole; his children: Lynn and Bruce Gravelin, Fred and Norlita Ammerman; grandchildren: Emily and Matthew Gravelin, Lian Ammerman; brother-in-law, Les Miller; nieces and nephews. Melt was preceded in death by his sister, Kay Miller. A service to remember and celebrate Melt's life will be held on Monday, May 4, 11:30 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE where friends may visit with his family on Sunday from 4-6 PM and on Monday from 10:30 AM until the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either the National Kidney Foundation or the American Heart Association are appreciated. To read more about Melt’s life, to share a memory or to sign his online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.