Memorial
Melvin M. Kropuenske, 98, of Cedar Rapids, passed away March 21, 2023. Funeral Service: 10:30 am, Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1363 1st Avenue SW, in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will precede the service at 9:30 am. Private Interment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Melvin was born on April 25, 1924, the son of Jacob and Mary (Kreutner) Kropuenske. After graduating from Wilson High School in 1942, he entered the U.S. Air Force and began pilot training. Melvin became a bombardier/navigator, flying numerous missions in the European theatre. He retired from the service at the rank of Major.
Melvin was united in marriage to Letha Snyder on July 30, 1949, in Cedar Rapids. He worked in automobile sales, eventually retiring from Rapids Chevrolet. He was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, attending with his family from the age of six. Melvin was also a member of the American Legion and VFW.
Survivors include his wife of seventy-three years, Letha of Cedar Rapids, children, Steve (Susan) Kropuenske of Camdenton, MO, and Jodi (Craig) Gordon of St. Joseph, MO, five grandchildren, Wendy (Steven) Ware, Shannon (Matthew) McDonald, Kelly (Brian) McClintock, Stacy (Jason) Glidewell, Andrew (Carrie) Gordon, and eleven great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents, sister, Ione Sundberg, and brother, Ralph Kropen.
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran School.