Melvyn "Mel" D. Thomer, 81, of Rock Island, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023, surrounded by his family, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice, Bettendorf, IA.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 am on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9619 140th St W, Taylor Ridge, IL 61284. Inurnment will be in Andalusia Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Melvyn's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Mel was born August 18, 1942, in Moline, the son of John C. and Laura (Staelens) Thomer. He married Linda Boeken on January 14, 1961. She preceded him in death on August 4, 2009. Mel worked at the Quad Cities Airport as a maintenance worker for 33 years. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Mel loved his family. He enjoyed traveling, motorcycling, and classic cars.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Denise (Steve) Cox, Eileen DeWitte, Mellinda (Tim) McManus, Dean (Stephanie) Thomer, and Douglas (Lori) Thomer; 15 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren; sister Jackie Swartz; brother-in-law, Larry (Carol) Boeken; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; infant brother, John Thomer; brother-in-law, Paul Swartz; and in-laws, Carl and Nina Boeken.