Melvin E. Ford, 79 of Jefferson, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Sunset Ridge Memory Care in Jefferson.

Melvin was born on April 20, 1946, in Chicago, IL, the son of James and Louise (Hinkle) Ford.  He grew up in the Chicagoland area and moved to southeastern Wisconsin in 1974.   On August 25, 1979, Melvin married Louise Muzich in Waukesha, and the couple enjoyed 41 years of marriage until her death in 2020.  Most of Melvin’s working years were spent as a laborer at Ladish Malt in Jefferson and MasterMold in Johnson Creek.  Melvin loved to fish, boat, camp, birdwatch, spend time in the garden, build model boats, and socialize with the people he loved.  Melvin loved to shop at rummage sales, flea markets, and attend events at the speedway.  After Louise’s death, Melvin began attending church at Forge Church in Fort Atkinson and found nourishment there.  He even attended men’s retreats and built meaningful relationships with the guys who attended.   Melvin was a funny, lighthearted jokester, who cared deeply about his family.  His memory will be cherished by those close to him.

He is survived by: his children Stephanie (Robert) Olsen and James Pruitt; sisters Kathleen Wisniewski and Linda Pollard; granddaughter and caregiver Tiffany (Tony) Filter, 17 other grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, wife Louise, and other family members.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Tania Strasburg (caregiver), the staff of Rainbow Hospice, and Sunset Ridge for the loving care provided.

In honor of Melvin, the family asks that guests wear red to the services  

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home in Jefferson.  Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:00AM until the time of service at the funeral home.  Melvin will be laid to rest at Hoffman Cemetery in Rome following the funeral.