Melvin Case
June 17, 1947 – July 7, 2022
On the evening on July 7, 2022, Melvin V. Case of Butte, MT, 75 years old, passed away at St. James Hospital.
Mel was born in Butte, Montana, June 17th, 1947 to Charlie and Beatrice Case. He was born in the family home and was the fourth of five siblings. He was educated in Butte schools and went to work at a young age for The Anaconda Company. He started in the mines working underground and was proud to have spent many years working in the concentrator. He retired from Montana Resources in 2011.
Mel married Beverly Sonsteng in Butte, Montana on December 26, 1970. Melvin enjoyed the outdoors. Beverly soon learned this as their wedding was delayed due to an extended hunting season and was soon followed by a honeymoon to Lima for duck hunting. Hunting was just one of Mel’s many outdoor passions and he taught his children and grandchildren to love hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and camping as much as he did. His happy places were Canyon Ferry Lake and Peterson Basin where he loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved us and was the best husband, dad, and papa we could ever ask for.
Mel lived his life to the fullest and was never afraid of trying anything. He never met a stranger and always greeted you with “Hi Buddy” or “Hi Buddy Old Pal.” No one was ever an outsider at the East Side Athletic Club where Mel was a bartender and a member for over 50 years. He was also a diehard Yankees and 49ers fan and often had these games on while working.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Charlie, Frances, and Beatrice, his mother-in-law Darlene Sumpter, along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews, and good friends.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Beverly, daughter Dawn (John) Gillespie, son Dennis (Keesha), grandchildren Conor, Cole, and Charlie Gillespie, and Colton, McKenzie, and Kierra Case, great granddaughter Karter Gillespie, and sister Shelia Schumacher. Mel is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and special friends Mike and Karen Maloughney.
A Celebration of Life privately organized by the family will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at the East Side Athletic Club, 3200 Dexter St., Butte, MT, 59701. Please bring your memories and stories of Mel to share with all.
In lieu of flowers, send donation to Skyline Sports, Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter, Butte Food Bank, or donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Melvin.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Melvin and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 PM
Saturday July 16, 2022
East Side Athletic Club
3200 Dexter St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 PM
Saturday July 16, 2022
East Side Athletic Club
3200 Dexter St.
Butte, MT 59701
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Sherry L Woods says
My sympathy and love ❤️ to all of Mel’s family, y
Sherry Woods says
My sympathy to all of Mel’s family, Mel was a very nice relative, prayers 🙏🏽
Millie and Dennis Rigby says
Our deepest sympathy to Bev, Dawn, Dennis and all of the family. Our prayers are with you all. If we can do anything for you please give us a shout out.
Georgina (Button) Quintana says
So sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. What a guy! His kalbasia was just about the best tasting ever. My respect to Dawn and family. Condolances and RIHeaven. Georgina
Melanie,Jesse, &Aydan Estes says
My deepest sympathy to Bev, Dawn, Dennis, Keesha, Conor, Cole, Charlie, Colton, Kenzie,Kierra….fond memories of Mel always,smiling and happy, loved the cowboy hat, loved the hunting stories, he really loved his family and alway made me feel welcome …love u all 🙏🙏💕💕
Love,
Melanie (Mel), Jesse and Aydan Estes
Valerie Hardy says
Mel was such a sweet, sweet man!! Everyone loved him. Rest in peace knowing that you raised great kids and was married to a woman that loved you ❤️ so much.
Effie Macioroski says
My deepest condolences to Bev, Dawn, Dennis and the rest of the family. He was a cool man to know. Once again, my deepest condolences.
Jan Phillips says
My thoughts and prays to each of you💓💓
Kent & Yvonne Webber says
Are deepest sympathy to all your family RIP OL BUDDY🙏🏻🙏🏻
Chuck Wedlake says
My deepest condolences to Bev Dennis and Dawn and the whole family and I was a great guy you all are in my thoughts and in my prayers
Tammy& Larry Cerise-Hanninen says
RIP Mel, it’s been a long ride. Sending prayers to Bev, Dennis, Dawn & your families!
John & Pat gillespie says
Our deepest sympathy To Bev, Dawn, Dennis and the entire family. Mel was a great friend and we enjoyed many good times with our horses, snowmobiling, fishing and hunting. Rest in peace my friend, and some day will see you on the other side.
Phil and Toni Flannery says
Condolences to his family. Our thoughts are with you
Chad, Cindy, Heath and Case Galbavy says
Our deepest sympathy to you all of you. Mel is going to missed and we have missed him the last couple of years camping. You have so many amazing memories with Mel and we will miss hearing his stories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Zanae & Hal Bates says
Sending my deepest sympathy to you all. Mel was a great man. I’m sorry for your pain and loss. I hope you find comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain. He will always be by your side you just need to watch for the signs he sends your way. Sending you all a big hug!!!
CINDY & DOUG HUBBARD says
Will never get “Hey Buddy – How ya doin?” in Mel’s voice out of my head when I think of him. He was a very unique and special guy. Doug and I miss him already and will never forget him.
Jack Button says
Lots of good memories hunting and fishing with Mel in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Peterson Basin a yearly event.
My condolences to the Case Family. RIP Mel.
Judy K Fisher says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to
All the family.
Kris Wilder says
My condolences to Bev, Dawn, Dennis and their families. Mel was always very kind and generous to me. He will be missed.
Bill Novack says
Hey Buddy you will be missed!!
Cindy Dahlman says
The kindest man I have ever met. He will be greatly missed. My sympathy to the family.
Daniel Erskine says
Mel was a very good man that loved his family and had many friends. He was particularly kind to my mother and Stepfather, Frank (Buck) and Sandy Konola. He was a hero to them and me in many ways….Mostly by just being himself. I remember catching silvers below the dam at Canyon Ferry and Skiing behind his fast ski boat with the big-foot gas pedal. He knew how to live and it was evident by watching him yell hit-it while jumping off the dock to slalom water skiing behind that same boat. He really hit hero status for me when I saw the photo of a bull moose that he enabled Buck to get his “last” season. Big smiles all around! Wish I could have an Oly at the East side this Saturday. Unfortunately I am unable to attend.
Hats off old buddy!,
Major (Ret) Daniel “Danny” Erskine