KEWANEE – Melvin “Mel” E. Fuhrman, 88, of Kewanee, died Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Hillcrest Home in Geneseo under the care of hospice.

He was born on September 12, 1936, in Kewanee, the son of Andrew and Rhea (Werkheiser) Fuhrman. He married Patricia J. Bridgewater in 1956, and they divorced in 1980. He lived with Phyllis Hendrickson for 13 years until she preceded him in death in 1993. He later married Marlene Billings in 2002, and they divorced in 2008.

Survivors include his daughter, Becky (Denny) Kubiak of Kewanee and his son, Kevin Fuhrman of Palm Springs, CA. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Donald Fuhrman and a sister, Genevieve “Jenny” Hapner.

Mel graduated from Wethersfield High School. He worked for area farmers and had also worked for the Mail-O-Graph, Galva Trailer Factory, Walworth and Walter’s Grocery Store. Lastly, he worked at Kewanee Corp. for 41 years, retiring in 1998. In his former years he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, listening to country music, playing shuffleboard, flower and vegetable gardening and his pet dogs.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 8 at Wethersfield Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee is assisting the family with arrangements.