Melvin Joseph Jumbo Andraschko

June 10, 1929 – July 27, 2017

Melvin Andrashchko, a long time resident of Yuma, Arizona, passed away on July 27, 2017. He was born in a cook shanty of a logging camp in northern Wisconsin. His mother was a cook at the age of 19. He attended school in White Lake, WI. And graduated from Suring High School, Suring, WI. In 1947. He enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately after graduation. He played on the U.S. Army All-Star Basketball Team and was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. He received his Honorable Discharge in May 1950. Melvin worked his own way through college starting in 1952. He graduated from U.S. Army Officers Candidate School (O.C.S.) in 1954. He graduated with his degree in Finance and Accounting from DePaul University in Chicago, IL in Feb 1970. He met his beautiful wife, Clara Ann Marx in 1952. They were married on Jun 22, 1963 in Antigo, WI. They had four children and all went on to graduate from Universities or College. Mel’s drive and dedication for challenges gave him a fabulous journey that lasted a lifetime! He worked at a logging camp in Northern Idaho. He was the first unmarried Branch Manager from Sherwin Williams in over 100 years in 1959. He was the Insurance Supervisor for International Harvester Co. in Chicago, IL. The Financial Manager from Brunswick Corp in Chicago, IL. The Assistant Comptroller for Paullick and Skan Co; in Melrose Park, IL. He then became the Financial Manager and Accounting Manager for Swift and Co. in Chicago IL. He completed the Merger between Swift and Mobile Oil Co in 1971. In 1971 he found his passion in real estate and continued working in that filed after moving to Yuma, AZ in 1975. He opened F-M Realty (Fabulous Mel) and operated his own real estate brokerage firm for the rest of his working career. He was very active in his Catholic faith, serving and supporting the church through many positions and roles over the years. Mel became active in the Knights of Columbus in 1980 and was dedicated to raising funds for charities; looking to assist people and helping them succeed in life. He raised funds for the Saguaro Foundation and the Rainbow Center. Supporting the Catholic schools in Yuma. Sending children to the St. Joes Youth Camp in the mountains of Northern Arizona. Collecting food for the orphanage in Mexico. He was the Grand Knight of the year for the State of Arizona in 1982. He held numerous positions, won many awards and accolades throughout his years with the Knights. In the end, he was always dedicated to help people and make their lives a little better. Preceding Melvin in death were his beloved wide (Clara Ann Marx Andraschko) and his parents, Joe B. Andrashcko and Magdalen Ehlinger Isberg. Melvin is survived by one sister, Sherry Budd of White Lake, WI; his four children, Lawrence Andraschko of Yuma, AZ, Jay Andraschko of Yuma, AZ, Kenneth (Amanda) Andrashcko of Eagle River, Alaska, and Dawn (Rosendo) Velarde of Yuma, AZ; as well as three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. Rosary service will start at 10am on August 4, 2017 followed immediately by Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Yuma, AZ. The funeral mass Mass and Burial next to his beloved wife, will be be held in Phlox, WI at a later date. Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun