Melvin Sporrer obit

Melvin Harold Sporrer of Portsmouth, passed away Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. He was born Sept. 14, 1946, at St. Anthony Hospital, Carroll, to Leonard and Sabina (Heithoff) Sporrer of Dedham.

He graduated from the 8th grade from St. Joseph’s School in Dedham. He completed his GED when he entered the United States Army on June 3, 1966, and served in Germany as a cook, earning the rank of Sergeant E-5 until his honorable discharge in 1967. After his enlistment, Mel decided to go back to Iowa and farm with his family.

On Dec. 30, 1972, amidst a snowstorm, Mel was united in marriage to Kathleen (Kathy) Grote at St. Mary’s, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Portsmouth. They lived near Dedham and Coon Rapids, and in January of 1980 moved to a farm west of Portsmouth to farm.

Mel was a farmer at heart and farmed from 1980 – 2020. He loved IH-Farmall tractors, especially the Farmall M he purchased from his father-in-law and the bulldozer he purchased from his father. He also held several other jobs throughout the years, including mixing feed at the Purina Store in Coon Rapids and as a farm hand for Jim Honald and his brother-in-law Don Wanniger near Coon Rapids.

After moving to Portsmouth, Mel drove a school bus for the Harlan Community School District and helped build various grain storage buildings at G & R Grain in Portsmouth. Later, he worked for Panama Welding in Panama, and Agriland FS in Logan, retiring in 2012.

Mel served his church and community in various ways. He was an active member of the American Legion since 1967. He was Post Commander in Coon Rapids and Portsmouth, Shelby County Commander, 7th District Vice Commander and enjoyed Legion Bowling. He also served as Adjutant of the Portsmouth Post, called out Roll Call for deceased veterans during Memorial Day services for over 25 years and served at numerous military funerals in the Shelby and Harrison County area.

Mel was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Portsmouth, lectoring, distributing communion, ushering and other odd jobs like changing light bulbs in the hall. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He made thousands of pancakes and french toast for various fundraisers. He supported his children’s 4-H and FFA livestock projects, was active in their organizations and served on the 4-County Fair Board for a number of years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, playing softball and umpiring ball games.

Mel is survived by his wife, Kathleen of Portsmouth; his children Julie (Dave) Grunklee of Reinbeck; Jason (Heidi) Sporrer of Logan; Janel (Clay) Bettis of St. Charles; and Jesse (Heather) Sporrer of Rapid City, S.D.; sisters Arlene Wanninger and Joan Irlmeier of Coon Rapids; LaVonne Thobe and Audrey Behrens of Carroll; Janice Weiland of Templeton; sisters and brothers-in-law Susie Sporrer of Glidden; Wanda Sporrer of Carroll; Marvin Thobe of Audubon; Betty (Tom) Klocke of Coon Rapids, Bev (Paul) Klocke of Lake View; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; many cousins, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Mel is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Marvin, Jerry, Ivan and Clete Sporrer; sisters: Bernice Thobe and Joyce Irlmeier; brothers-in-laws Don Wanninger, John Thobe, Don Weiland, Gary Irlmeier, Randy Irlmeier and other family members.

Rosary and Wake Service was held on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Portsmouth, with a Visitation following. Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth with internment at St. Mary’s Cemetery and luncheon to follow at St. Mary’s Church Hall.

Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.