Melvin H. “Mel” Nylaan

Melvin H. “Mel” Nylaan, age 88, went to be with the Big Ranger in heaven on Thursday, August 25, 2022. The kind hearted, generous mountain of a man is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marlene Nylaan; son, Rhyne (Wendy) Nylaan; daughter, LeAnna (Dave) Allen; granddaughters, Whitney Nylaan, Christie (Kyle) Wilson, Jessalyn (Robert) Mojica, Kaitlyn (Jesse) Trujillo; great grandsons, Wyatt, Weston, Lewis; and great granddaughter, Kinsley. Mel was a veteran who proudly served in the US Army. He achieved Sharp Shooter Status for his skills in the 2nd Missile Command, Ft. Hood, TX, 1958. He had a long self employment career as a mason contractor, where his 30 plus year building projects are present throughout the greater Grand Rapids area. Mel was a hard working provider, with a true gift for creating exceptional stonework masterpieces most notably reflected in his homes and fireplaces. After retirement, Mel developed an avid love of gardening. He loved being outside, in the woods, and caring or the many varieties of flowers and tropical plants that landscaped their yard. They were maintained year round in his self made greenhouses. As a lifetime member of the GR Numismatic Society, he inherited a zest for collecting and enjoyed hours of cataloging items of interest. Lover of life playful at heart and dedication to family and faith were hallmarks of his character. In turn, he is so greatly loved, will be deeply missed and his influence will be felt for generations to come. Funeral services will be held 11 am Saturday, September 3 at MKD Belmont Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont. Burial Graceland Memorial Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.