Jack E. Mellenthin

One last cast with the musky lure, now Jack is going home. Jack E. Mellenthin, 97, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, of natural causes at the Marshfield Medical Center in Minocqua. Jack had enjoyed a long, peaceful retirement living in his Northwoods home with his wife Audie Mellenthin who proceeded him in death in 2015. The son of Norwegian and German immigrant farmers, Jack had a proud spirit.

All the way through Jack’s long life, he maintained a sharp mind, clear eyes and a steady hand. With a sense of clear-eyed purpose, Jack showed generosity towards others less fortunate, often by giving gifts to families during holiday seasons.

Jack was born in Waukesha, to Ed and Mabel (nee Severson) Mellenthin. Jack enjoyed hunting and golf as a young man. He was a motivated young man, graduating early from high school and attending UW-Madison before his high school class had graduated.

Jack left college early, swearing into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Although Jack did not serve overseas, he was proud to have graduated from officer’s candidate school and served in the Army Corp of Engineers and artillery branches. After his military active duty, Jack had a 20-year proud and distinguished career in the U.S. Army Reserve Artillery, completing this service as a major officer.

Jack’s civilian career was in life insurance and pension planning, working for the Equitable Life Insurance Society. Jack had a successful and commendable career earning the designation level of chartered life underwriter and being recognized as a member of the Million Dollar Round Table.

Jack was married to Barbara Green Mellenthin and raised three wonderful children, Daniel, Mark, and Sally, in Fond du Lac, which was home for both their family life and Jack’s career. Jack was very fortunate to have spent considerable time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jack married the love of his life, Audie Mellenthin, in 1980. Jack and Audie lived in their Northwoods home and enjoyed traveling many winters to Florida where they had a strong network of friends. Jack was always in his element Musky fishing and Whitetail deer hunting in the Northern Highlands of Wisconsin and especially enjoyed waterfowl hunting on Lake Winnebago and in the Horicon Marsh area.

Jack is survived by his two sons Daniel and Mark and grandchildren Ryan and Max, sons of Daniel, Mark’s (Cheryll) children Matthew and Jonnah and six great grandchildren. Jack was proceeded in death by his sister, Geraldine Cottone, wife Audie, and his beautiful daughter Sally.

At Jack’s request, there will be no memorial service.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.