Melvin "Mel" Vance Gicoff
May 25, 2010
We invite you to "Tee It Up" with our family and friends
in Celebration of Melvin "Mel" Vance Gicoff!
Mel passed away on May 25, 2010 at the age of 80. He was born in Boone, IA on August 10, 1929 to Draga and Vance Gicoff. The family moved to Des Moines and Mel graduated from Valley High School, as did his two children, as key members of the Valley Golf Team.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joy; son Kim 52; daughter Jodi 49; and his beloved grandpuppies Baxter and Winston. Mel's sister preceded him in death and his brother Arnie Gicoff lives in Des Moines.
Mel worked for Meredith Publishing and retired after 43 years as a Pressman Manager. He was best known however, for his abilities as an established golfer. He had a never ending passion for the game and a true love of teaching junior golfers.
A Tribute to Mel's life is planned for Saturday afternoon, June 19th at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA during the hours of 2 to 5 (come and go). There will be a short prayer given by Mel’s friend Father Pete at 2:15. Golf attire is preferred for this special gathering! If you are unable to attend, please know that a favorite memory of Mel may be sent to
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com for our family to enjoy as a keepsake.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Mel Gicoff, to Longview Driving Center - Junior Golf League, 10300 NW 54th Ave, Grimes, IA 50111, or to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313.
Tony Caloroso
12/22/2010
Mel & Joy,
I just learned of Mel's passing while trying to find your number to call you to catch up. You both were very kind and generious to let me in your home when I lived in Des Moines. I have great memories of the dinners at your home. My one regret is not taking advantage of Mel's teaching skills in Golf. I might have broke 100 with his lessons.
May God bless you
Tony Caloroso
Nikki O'Riley-Keller
06/24/2010
Joy and Family
Mel was not only a great family member, he was a wonderful teacher to me! He taught me golf at a young age. Then later in life, when I played on the Waukee Golf team, sometimes I would not perform the greatest, I would always get on phone when I got home and call Mel and tell him what I had done wrong. He would then tell me what I had to do to correct the problem-you know, he was always right! He was always reliable, supportive, and full of great knowledge. I (we) will miss him. He was full of wit, and great humor! He brought life to a room, and could always make someone smile! He has touched a great number of lifes, including mine, and for that, I am forever greatful. With the greatest sympathy and love.
Nikki O'Riley-Keller and Family
I am deeply sorry that my family missed the Services for Mel. We were unaware plans had been made, and therefore missed the Celebration.
Shellie Olson
06/21/2010
Dearest Auntie Joy, Kim, and Jodi,
Reflecting on this past weekend, and the tribute to Uncle Mel, it was such a wonderful, special, and also a hard day. Uncle Mel, "the steady Eddie", such a gift to a family! A true gentleman, loving to family, a servant heart(Just one of many examples: Remembering his care for Granny for so many years). I have my memories, and will hold them in my heart. Love and prayers to all of you... Love, Shellie
Charity A. Gahan
06/18/2010
Auntie Joy, Kim and Jodi,
I'm so sorry that we cannot be there tomorrow. Our prayers go with you though. May you feel God's presence tomorrow and always.
I loved and will miss Uncle Mel. He was always such a "rock" in our family. One wonderful memory of Uncle Mel is when he bought all of us "little girls" a HUGE ice cream cone. Love an God's Blessings to you all.
David Schwalbe
06/17/2010
It is with great sorrow and compassion that I remark at the loss of Uncle Mel .We all will miss him so very much.AS a father and uncle, brother in law, teacher, a friend..I was told by some friends that no one is irreplaceable and to prove it stick your finger in a glass of water and yank it out and see what kind of hole you leave.Mel has left a giant crater.Always the straight shooter cut to the chase type,a geniune human being.A rare person who was raised old school but could compete in the new.He was funny in a reserved sort of way but I never had a conversation with him that made me feel like my ideas were not respected.Still waters run deep and Mel certainly was all that and more.
Dale Wilson
06/15/2010
Joy and Family-
I'm very taken aback at the news of Mel's passing... A very kind man and a great sense of humor. Memories abound of softball days, all the help he gave us (as a plumber-handyman) and comedy relief. I'll never forget his "dissertation" about NUMBERS... He will be greatly missed. All my condolences,
Dale
Priscilla Diers
06/12/2010
Jodi,
Although I was never privilaged to meet your Dad, I know that he was one of the very special people God puts on this earth. Listening to you speak of him over the many years we have been friends, I know how much you, your Mother and brother will miss him.
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Priscilla
Renee' Roberts
06/11/2010
Joy, Jodi and Kim,
My heart and sympathy to all of you. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Renee'
Cathi Bouzide
06/10/2010
Uncle Mel will be missed greatly.
His quiet presence and supportive words for so many things will be greatly missed. He was always there to help. Pick someone up. Drop someone off. Move something from A to B and sometimes C. Checking in on my life in ways that I didn't even know that he knew about.
Loved that guy! He will be missed and lives through his children.
Love to you guys.
Cathi
Monica Greer
06/10/2010
Joy, Jodi and Kim - I was so sorry to hear of Mel's passing. Although I didn't have a chance to know him, what I have come to know of each of you tells me what a great man he must have been to have such a wonderful family. How about this for cosmic forces hard at work - It was one year ago June 19th that I lost my mother and had her service at the Westown Hamiltons a week later. You are all in my prayers and please let me know if you need anything. Monica
Phil and Joan
06/09/2010
Mel was one of the best men we ever knew. He was kind, generous, loving and a trusted confidant. We will miss him more than we can express. It will be a long time, if ever, that we won't think of asking Mel's opinion about a problem. Joy, Kim and Jodi, you all were blessed to have him in your lives everyday. His love will remain with you always.
Phil and Joan
Vince Schwalbe
06/09/2010
Uncle Mel was a wonderful man. I will miss him terribly. Plea accept my prayers for you, Auntie Joy and I a regret Ill not be able to come for the memorial service.
Al Booton
06/03/2010
I'm sure going to miss Mel's smile and quick sense of humor.
The year's he was my lead man in the pressroom were some of the best for me learning rotogravure and getting through those long 12 hour shifts. We had some great times.
God speed my friend1
May all your rounds in heavan be filled with eagles.
Al Booton
Gary McCoy
05/28/2010
Sorry to hear about Mel's death. My dad (Jack) enjoyed working with Mel those many years at Meredith. I also remember getting some golf lessons from Mel as a teenager that have served me well over the years. Mel was a patient instructor and he certainly knew what he was talking about. I remember his smooth tempo and rhythm. I only wished I had the opportunity to play with him again as an adult. My condolences and prayers to his family.
God Bless You,
Gary McCoy
Elgin, Illinois