A memorial service for Lonnie will take place at 2:30 PM on Sunday, July 5 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 PM until the time of services. For everyone’s safety, masks and social distancing are requested and appreciated. For those who cannot attend in person, there will be streaming options through Holy Rosary’s web site. Urn-bearers will be Tony Szalkus and David Zimmerman. Interment of his cremated remains will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Mequon, WI at a later date.
Lonnie was born on January 4, 1948 at Eau Claire, WI, to the late Celand and Lois (Mathewson) Melbinger. He attended Owen-Withee elementary and high school, did his undergraduate work at UW-Eau Claire and was a 1973 graduate of Marquette School of Dentistry, Milwaukee. His marriage took place on December 26, 1970 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Owen to Mary Kathryn Gummerson.
After his education, he practiced dentistry in Stratford and Colby prior to establishing his own practice in Medford which he worked for 44 years until his retirement in 2017. For years, he served as resident dentist for the Clark Health Care Center, Owen. He had an extreme passion for his patients, employees and practice. He enjoyed the Green Bay Packers, fishing, socializing, gardening and spending time with his family. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford, American Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Association & the Thursday Hunters group. He was a past member of the Tee Hi Golf board of directors and the Medford Lion’s Club.
Survivors include his wife, Mary of Medford, children, Christopher (Brenda) Melbinger of Vero Beach, FL, Julie (Dr. Peter) Melbinger-Wagner, DDS, of Mequon, WI & Deborah (Josh) Pegorsch of Bay View, WI. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Ella, Claire & Andrew Wagner, brother, Jerome (Irene) Melbinger, DDS, of Reedsburg, mother-in-law, Mildred Gummerson of Vero Beach, FL, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to either Hope Hospice or Holy Rosary School both of Medford. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.
