Melvin Moehle

(Taken from his obituary)

Melvin Otto Moehle, 88 of Washington, IL passed away at 2:57 p.m., Friday, February 18, 2011 at Washington Christian Village.

Melvin was born September 17, 1922, in Okawville, IL, to Walter A. and Minna Miche' Moehle. He married Loraine Niermann on May 5, 1945, in Nashville, IL. She preceded him in death on December 9, 2007.

Mel graduated from Washington University in 1944, where he was a member and served as President of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was a World War II Navy veteran who served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Solomons, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. After serving in active duty, he graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1948.

In 1950, he and Loraine moved to Washington, where he worked for the law firm Heyl, Royster & Voelker in Peoria. Two years later, Mel started his own law firm in Washington and, in 1966, formed a partnership with his brother, Ed. In his professional capacity, he had been admitted to practice in both Missouri and Illinois and before the United States Supreme Court. He was past President of the Tazewell County Bar Association, served four years as Washington's City Attorney, 20 years as Washington Township Trustee, 18 years as Park District Attorney, 21 years on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Washington, 20 years as Director of the Washington Nursing Center, 25 years as Executive Director and Counsel for the Illinois Healthcare Association and, in 1970, Mel was awarded the Better Life Award from the American Health Care Association.

He and his wife, Loraine, were owners of Washington Nursing Center from 1975 to 1982. He also served for 12 years on the Illinois Central College Educational Foundation Board, where he and his wife, Loraine, established several scholarships. Mel retired from his practice as a Senior Partner of Moehle, Swearingen & Umholtz in 2008. He was also very active and dedicated during his 50-plus years to his church, the First United Methodist Church, serving in many leadership roles.

One of his most lasting contributions to our community was his work in creating the Washington Park District in 1967, he was elected as the board's first President. As a resident of the City of Washington, Mel participated in a leadership capacity in many local organizations and activities, which include: Rotary Club (50-plus year member, President and recipient of the Paul Harris fellowship award); Civic Club (President and Board of Directors Member); Washington Jaycees (Board of Directors); Taylor Lodge 98 A.F.&A.M. (50-plus year member); American Legion Post 100 and Mohammed Shrine in Peoria.

One of Mel's proudest moments was receiving the Washingtonian Award in 1986. Mel's leisure time was devoted to his family and friends. He and Loraine enjoyed wintering in Florida and many summer weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks. He remained an avid water and snow skier into his 80s. He particularly enjoyed taking ski trips with his grandchildren. Mel and Loraine were avid dancers and were charter members of the Caper Club. As an aviation enthusiast and licensed pilot, Mel looked forward to his annual trip to the Oshkosh air show.

As a Washington resident, he devoted considerable time to community, government, social, professional, and charitable organizations.