Melvin O. Moehle 1922-2011

Melvin Otto Moehle, 88, of Washington, Ill., passed away on Friday, Feb. 18, at Washington Christian Village. Melvin was born Sept. 17, 1922, in Okawville, Ill., to Walter A. and Minna Miche Moehle. He married Loraine Niermann on May 5, 1945, in Nashville, Ill. She preceded him in death on Dec. 9, 2007. Mel graduated from Washington University in 1944, where he was a member and served as president of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was a World War II Navy veteran, serving aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Solomons, achieving the rank of lieutenant. After serving in active duty, he graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1948. In 1950, he and Loraine moved to Washington, where he worked for the law firm Heyl, Royster & Voelker in Peoria. Two years later, Mel started his own law firm in Washington and in 1966 formed a partnership with his brother, Ed. During his professional capacity, he had been admitted to practice in both the states of Missouri and Illinois and had been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He was past president of the Tazewell County Bar Association, served four years as Washington's city attorney, 20 years as Washington Township trustee, 18 years as park district attorney, 21 years on the board of directors of the First National Bank of Washington, 20 years as director of the Washington Nursing Center, 25 years as executive director and counsel for the Illinois Healthcare Association, and in 1970, Mel was awarded the Better Life Award from the American Health Care Association. He and his wife, Loraine, were owners of Washington Nursing Center from 1975-1982. He also served for 12 years on the Illinois Central College Educational Foundation Board, where he and his wife, Loraine, established several scholarships. Mel retired from his practice as a senior partner of Moehle, Swearingen & Umholtz in 2008. He was also very active and dedicated during his 50-plus years to his church, the First United Methodist Church, serving in many leadership roles. One of his most lasting contributions to our community was his work in creating the Washington Park District in 1967; he was elected as the board's first president. As a resident of the city of Washington, Mel participated in a leadership capacity in many local organizations and activities, which include: Rotary Club (50-plus year member, president and recipient of the Paul Harris fellowship award), Civic Club (president and board of directors member), Washington Jaycees (board of directors), Taylor Lodge 98 AF & AM (50-plus year member), American Legion Post 100 and Mohammed Shrine in Peoria. One of Mel's proudest moments was receiving the Washingtonian award in 1986. Services have been held. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads United Methodist Church. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.