Rev. Arno Hugo Melz
December 29, 2016
Reverend Arno Hugo Melz, 82, was called to his heavenly home on December 29, 2016. Services will be held at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Rd in West Des Moines on Wednesday, January 4 with visitation from 9 to 11:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Jordan Cemetery in West Des Moines.
Arno was born to Hugo and Bertha Melz. After graduation, he married Opal Davidson and attended seminary in Springfield, IL. He served churches in West Texas for more than 5 years and Christ Lutheran in Waterloo, IA for more than 31 years. After retiring, he moved to Urbandale, IA and served as visiting pastor at Shepherd of the Valley and Trinity Lutheran in Des Moines and as vacancy pastor at churches in Van Meter, Carlisle, Chariton, Lacona, Dallas-Melcher, and Indianola.
He is survived by his wife, Opal; daughter, Marianne (Frank) Ksiazak; son, David (Lori) Melz; grandchildren, Samantha and Haley Melz, Ian, Emma and Isabella Ksiazak; and brother, Harlan (Connie) Melz. Arno was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Gilda Steinfeldt.
Thank you to Karen and Dr. Shah at Broadlawns Geriatric Medicine and Memory Center, Dr. Peng and the IM Team C doctors at Mercy Hospital, staff at Mercy 9S and 8S, and staff at the HCI Kavanagh House.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Shepherd of the Valley Church and HCI Kavanagh House. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Shelly Perkins
01/03/2017
Marianne and family - my deepest sympathy goes out to you in this time of sorrow. Your father is now wrapped in God's loving arms and forever remembered and cherished in your memories and hearts. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.
Kenneth Harkin
01/03/2017
Marianne -
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My prayers are with you and your family.
Mark Conley
01/03/2017
Marianne and family---my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Although I didn't know him, your father was obviously beloved and greatly admired. His legacy of a wonderful family and an imprint on the hearts of many endures. I hope your many memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Kathy and Jerry Rouse
01/02/2017
To the family of Pastor Melz, we are sorry for your loss. Pastor Melz had such a gentle spirit and caring nature. He made many visits to the hospital to pray with me. I loved his stories. He had a great love for gardening and we were privileged to spent time in his garden with him. Our loss is Heavens gain. With Love and Prayers.
Philip and Shannon Roam
01/01/2017
To the family of Pastor Melz, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sherri Thomas
01/01/2017
I was so sorry to hear about your passing, you were always there out of no where when we, me and my family had a medical crisis we truly love you,I will never for get the day we met on the elevator going to ICU to see Deb Ketner my patient, kiss her for me in heaven along with my mom and dad,thanks for all you have done. Sherri N6 Methodist Hosp.
Allan Fisher
01/01/2017
To the family of pastor melz I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful pastor and I enjoyed serving with him as my calvarys vacancy pastor back in 2001. He will be missed
Virginia & Jeff Ellis
12/31/2016
We always enjoyed talking with Rev Melz after and services on Saturday Night. He knew the Pastor my husband had as a young boy and they enjoyed talked about that. Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family