- Date Of Birth: April 30, 1941
- Date Of Death: April 24, 2021
- State: Idaho
Melvin E. Thaete, a loving husband, supportive brother, proud father, playful grandfather and great-grandfather, and generous friend to many found everlasting peace on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Mel and his treasured wife, Debbie, were traveling north to Idaho to celebrate his 80th birthday when he passed peacefully during their stop in Ely, Nevada. Mel’s giant heart and kind spirit were a blessing to all who knew him.
Mel was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, alongside his twin sister, Melva. They were number three and four of Oscar and Lucila’s five children, with their older brothers, Frederick and Kenneth, and younger sister, Mary, rounding out the mix. The family lived in the small town of Hansen before moving to Wendell in 1957. Always an athlete and hard-working farm boy, he graduated from Wendell High School in 1959.
In pursuit of travel and much warmer weather, Mel and Debbie left Fairfield in their dream RV and landed in Florence, Arizona, in 2005.
Mel always had a way of making people feel welcome and special. Nothing was more important to him than his family and his friends. He was immensely proud of his children and their families, and every grandchild and great-grandchild will always remember grandpa’s laughter and rough tickles. His passion for hunting, fishing, barbecues, Boise State football games, and traveling paled in comparison to his genuine love for family, friends, and his precious wife, Debbie.
Mel is survived by his wife, Debbie Thaete; his son, Todd Thaete (Julie); his two daughters, Taren Nelson (Link) and Tawnia Liquin (Brian); his two sisters, Melva Burns (Jim) and Mary Murray (Roy); his seven grandchildren, Cody Thaete (Rachel), Cali Baily (Tyler), Carissa Rocha (Joey), Shelby Griffith (Josh), Madison Liquin, Payton Liquin, and Paige Liquin; and seven great-grandchildren. Mel was proceeded in death by his parents, Oscar Thaete and Lucila (Thaemert) Thaete-Erickson, and his two brothers, Frederick Thaete and Kenneth Thaete.
Many family members will be “wearing plaid for Grandpa Mel,” and all are encouraged to do so also if so inclined.
or to:
Wendell High School, 850 E. Main Street, Wendell ID, 83355, c/o the Mel Thaete Concession Stand.
