Shalom, peace, to Melburn Ernest Huebner, Jr. 89, of Scottsdale, Arizona, who entered the Lord’s eternal peace on December 21, 2018. Mel was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. As a teenager, he spent two summers living and working on a farm as a Victory Farms Volunteer. Mel served in the Army, attended the Lawrence Institute of Technology, and graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. At “Valpo”, Mel met and fell in love with Ruth Lillian Jaeger; they were married on June 16, 1956. Mel’s career as a mechanical engineer took them to Cincinnati, Ohio, Schenectady, New York, Norristown, Pennsylvania and, finally, in 1968, to Scottsdale, Arizona. Their family included six children by 1968, when they moved to Scottsdale. Ruth and Mel were active members of Christ Church-Lutheran, Phoenix for 50 years. Their six children, and two grandchildren graduated from Christ Lutheran School. Mel loved engineering and his time working on defense and aerospace projects at General Electric, Honeywell and Motorola. After moving to Arizona, he fully embraced the West. Mel was almost never seen without a western shirt and bolo tie. For the family’s first Christmas in Scottsdale, he bought himself several cowboy hats, and his wife and six children each received a bright red hat. The family was a colorful sight at the 1969 Parada del Sol. Mel treasured his children: Denise Wachholz (David) of Scottsdale, Arizona; Dr. Melburn K. Huebner (Ann) of Amarillo, Texas; Carol Kirkhart (Kerry) of McAlester, Oklahoma; Paul Huebner, of Yuma, Arizona; John Huebner (Margie) of Norwood, Colorado; Tim Huebner of Colorado; his twelve grandchildren, and one newborn great-grandson. Treasured family also included those who predeceased him: his beloved wife, Ruth Lillian; his parents, Melburn and Gertrude (Becker) Huebner; and his siblings Dale A. Huebner and Joanna Weideman. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church-Lutheran, 3901 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona.
Holly Crosthwait
Dear Huebner family,
Our parents met at Valparaiso, and friendship continued when both families lived in the Cincinnati area. They kept in touch for many years, if only through Christmas cards and letters. When I chose to leave Valpo and attend ASU sight unseen beginning my Sophomore year in 1973, your parents shared information about living in Arizona to help me prepare. Although they didn’t know me, they graciously offered to pick me up at the airport and ensured I was able to get into the dorm to which I was assigned. Their kindness was much appreciated then and fondly remembered now. My parents, Ken and Dorothy Herrmann, were relieved that someone they knew would be close by if needed!
My condolences to all of you, may you feel God’s arms wrapped around you for comfort and peace as you go through this difficult time.