Melvin Louis Eshelman

Melvin Louis Eshelman, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 12th, with his family by his side, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him deeply. Mel was born on April 12th, 1945, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Elmer and Mildred (Washburn) Eshelman. On August 27th, 1974, Mel married Gloria Sheard Anderson, and together they began building a lifetime of adventures, memories, and love. Mel had a deep love for animals. He especially enjoyed having a dog by his side to take on walks, spend time outdoors with, and simply enjoy as a companion. His dog, Charlie, was very special to him and brought him great comfort. Mel was a devoted husband and family man. He treasured the life he built with his family and took great pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. His love was steady and enduring, expressed not only through words, but through the countless things he did for the people he cared about. He had a sincere and genuine love for helping others. If someone needed a hand, he was always willing to lend it-whether hanging pictures for his sister-in-law, tackling a home repair for a friend or family member, or simply figuring out how to make something work when others couldn't. Helping people was simply part of who he was. That willingness to help extended to his children and grandchildren, especially when it came to cars. He enjoyed teaching them how to care for their vehicles, keep them running, and understand what was happening under the hood. And for those who couldn't quite master it themselves, there was always AAA Roadside Assistance-because sometimes even his best teaching needed a little backup. Mel had a lifelong passion for automobiles, particularly old cars. He appreciated their character, craftsmanship, and the memories attached to them. To him, cars were more than machines; they were pieces of history and reminders of another time. His love of old cars went hand in hand with his deep nostalgia for the past. He cherished remembering the people, places, experiences, and stories that shaped his life. His career as a salesman suited him well. Over the years, he sold just about anything and everything-from flagpoles to cars to forklifts. He had a natural ability to talk with people, understand what they needed, and make a genuine connection. His career was about more than selling a product; it reflected his ability to work with people and his sincere interest in those around him. Mel had a deep appreciation for the beauty and adventure of the world around him. He loved traveling and taking in the scenery, always willing to stop at a landmark or explore something new along the way. He enjoyed camping with family and friends, taking the boat out for fun on the water, and relaxing while fishing. He especially loved sharing his fishing knowledge with his great-grandsons, passing along not only what he knew, but also his love of being outdoors and enjoying the moment. Mel enjoyed many trips with family and friends to the mountains, where he could ski through powder snow, take in the scenery, or stop along the way to pan for gold. He never missed an opportunity to appreciate and share even the smallest joys that nature had to offer. Mel also had a great love for golf and would gladly take time out of his day to enjoy a round or two with anyone who was up for the game. Mel and Gloria spent many years either living in or snowbirding in Florida. He loved the warmth and sunshine and enjoyed spending time near the beach. You may have even heard about his remarkable ability to pick up sand dollars with his toes, along with other ocean treasures. It was an unusual little talent, but it was also one of those wonderfully quirky things that made him uniquely himself. It may seem like a small memory to the outside world, but to his family, it is priceless-the kind of story that will be shared and remembered for generations. His greatest joy and greatest legacy, however, was his family. Mel leaves behind his beloved wife, Gloria; his faithful companion, Charlie; his brothers Marv (Carol) Eshelman, Jerry Eshelman; his children, Jeff (Bonnie) Eshelman and Stacey Dobratz; his grandchildren, Jeremy (Abbey) Dobratz, Mariah Eshelman, Justin (Lily) Dobratz, and Conner (Rachel) Eshelman; and his great-grandchildren, Odin, Kieran, Ezra, and Mila Dobratz, along with relatives and friends whose lives were made better by knowing him. His absence will be deeply felt. But his life will continue through the people he helped, the things he taught, the stories he told, and the family he loved so dearly. In keeping with Mel's wishes, his family and friends will gather together for a celebration of his life and to share memories in his honor. The celebration will be held on Saturday, September 12th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the VFW in Coon Rapids, located at 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family, who will distribute them among causes that were dear to Mel's heart. He will be missed more than words can say, but he will never be forgotten.

Melvin Louis Eshelman

April 12, 1945 - August 12, 2026

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