Melvin K. Griswold, Jr.

Mel Griswold, Jr. treasured every moment that he spent with his beloved wife, children, and grandkids. He was a veteran of the Second World War, a longtime employee at Shawbox Dresser Crane, and the co-owner of a music store in Wolf Lake. Mel worked hard to provide for his family, and he found the reward for his efforts in the warmth of their company. In the year 1926, America was in the midst of a decade of economic prosperity and rapid industry growth. It was a time of flapper dresses, political scandals, and big band jazz music. Amid this climate of good fortune, Melvin K. Griswold and his wife Ethel V. Cochran discovered a more personal reason for celebration. They were expecting a child, and on February 21, 1926 they welcomed their son Melvin K. Griswold, Jr. into their home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born of English ancestry. The youngest of three children, Melvin grew up in Grand Rapids with the company of his sister Nina and his brother Nathan. He excelled in woodworking. While his mother tended to the house, his father provided for the family through his job at Shawbox Dresser Crane in Muskegon. Throughout Mel's childhood, the Great Depression loomed over the country. He and his siblings lived a simple life, and they were thankful that they always had food. The Second World War broke out in Europe just as Mel enrolled in high school in Grand Rapids. In 1943, at the age of seventeen, he withdrew from school to enlist in the Navy. He served in the Pacific aboard the USS Dennis (DE-405) as a Water Tender, 3rd Class. The Dennis was a John C. Butler-Class Destroyer Escort. In June of 1944, the Dennis departed Pearl Harbor to escort a convoy to Eniwetok and Kwajalein, marking the beginning of its Pacific career. While at sea, Mel began receiving letters from Louise Jett. His cousin Barb Kurtz had encouraged Louise to write to him. She and Mel continued to exchange letters until the end of the war. Their correspondence provided the foundation for the love that developed between them. Immediately following his discharge, Mel married A. Louise Jett at his sister's house in Grand Rapids. The date was May 25, 1946. Following in his father's footsteps, Mel worked for Shawbox Dresser Crane throughout his entire professional life. After the wedding, he and Louise moved into his mother's house in Wolf Lake, located in Egelston Township. While they lived with his mother, Mel built his own house with help from his brother Nate and his brother-in-law Jim Harris. During this time, Mel joined the Egelston Township Volunteer Fire Department, where he was one of the original members. Mel and Louise were blessed with two wonderful children. Their son Dennis was born in 1948, followed by Cindy in 1950. Mel was a devoted father, and he always regarded his children as his greatest accomplishments. Although his job kept him busy, he always found plenty of time to spend with his family. In the summertime he would take the kids up to Uncle Jim's cottage on Wolf Lake for a few days of swimming and socializing. Whenever there was a family reunion, Mel loaded up the car and traveled over to Onaway, Michigan. He and Louise enjoyed spending time at cousin Vera's cabin in Newaygo County, which Mel had helped to build. Mel was good friends with Barb's husband, Malcom Kurtz. In the early 1960's, they decided to start a music business together. A few years later, in 1968, they built a store in Wolf Lake. Louise and Barb worked in the store during the daytime, and Mel and Malcom worked in the evenings, after they were finished with their day jobs. In addition to operating the store, Mel also DJ'ed for dances, wedding receptions, and parties in the Wolf Lake and Ravenna area. In the early 1970's Mel was thrilled to see his family grow with the blessing of grandchildren. He loved spending time with his grandkids and he certainly spoiled them with gifts and with affection. Some of his happiest memories involve his grandkids, who always called him "Pops." In 1973 Mel decided that his music business was consuming too much of his life, and he sold out his share to Malcom. He wanted to spend more time with his family, and he wanted to visit his cabin in Newaygo more frequently. In 1975 he built an additional cabin on his property in Newaygo. In 1988, after working for Shawbox Dresser Crane for forty-five years, he retired. Every Thanksgiving he and Louise entertained their large family. It was the event of the year, always filled with laughter and reminiscences. Mel and Louise lived a good, happy life together. They took care of each other, and they loved each other deeply. Among his family and the many people whose hearts he touched, Mel will be greatly missed and frequently remembered. Mel died on Saturday, May 13, 2006 in the home that he built sixty years ago. He is survived by his wife, A. Louise Griswold; 1 son, Dennis H. (Gail) Griswold; 5 grandchildren, Gina (Brent) McKinnon, Jeff (Gina) Griswold, Amy (Jared) Weathers, Nate (Mandi) Barber, Brigitte (Ken) Dodge; 10 great grandchildren, Sarah & Jared Weathers; Nathan, Jacob & Isaac Barber; Jackson & Jordan McKinnon; Emma Griswold; Ashley & Madalyn Herrara; 1 sister, Nina Harris; 1 son-in-law, Carl Barber. He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 daughter, Cynthia Barber; 1 brother, Nathan Griswold. The service for Mel will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2006, 1:00 PM, at the Clock Chapel, with Pastor Sarah Samuelson officiating. Please visit with family and friends on Tuesday, 1 hour prior to the service. MEMORIAL: Hackley VNS Hospice. Visit Mel's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to archive a favorite memory, sign the guestbook, or post a memorial contribution.