Melvin L. Gubbels

Melvin Gubbels, 92, Oconto, died Monday morning, November 17, 2025 at Care Partners Assisted Living. He was born May 21, 1933 in Randolph, Nebraska to Mathias and Sophia (Scharff) Gubbels. Mel grew up in Randolph where he graduated from high school. On September 16, 1957 he married Althea Bruns in Constance, Nebraska.

Shortly after their marriage the couple moved to Beaver Dam and started work at Monarch Ware as a spot welder. He moved with his employer to Algoma in 1986 and eventually retired as the production supervisor. They retired to the Oconto Falls area in 1996 where he was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Mel enjoyed fishing in Algoma, watching football, fixing things, and keeping busy. He especially enjoyed being active and putzing around with his friends until the very end.

Survivors are his children, Barbara Stegner, Gary (Brenda) Gubbels, and Paul (Sue) Gubbels; grandchildren, Melissa (Joe Wells) Holbus, Stacy (Matt Schraufnagel) Stegner, Noah Aplin, Jennah (Francisco) Aplin, Hannah (Dave) Sponholz, Sadie Gubbels, and Garrett (Mariah) Gubbels; great-grandchildren, Dillon Holbus, Matthew Holbus, Parker Boomsma, Sydnee Boomsma, Ember Sponholz, Juliet Sponholz, Everett Gubbels, Eloise Gubbels, Gwen Gubbels, and Arthur Gubbels; and many other extended family.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Althea in 2001; parents, Mathias and Sophia; son, Russell in 1982; and seven siblings.

A visitation for friends and family will take place after 3:00 PM on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. A funeral service with military honors will follow at 7:00 PM with Father Tom Pomeroy officiating. A burial will take place at a later date in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Beaver Dam.

Special thanks to Joanie Hubacher and staff from Care Partners, the staff at Unity Hospice, and Randy and Sara from Inclusive for all their care and support over the years.