Melvin Freland

Melvin Heavy Freland, 80, of Ferguson, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. Memorial services for Melvin will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Memorials may be directed to the family. For more information or to send a condolence; please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Melvin and his family. Melvin LeRoy Freland was born on November 20, 1936 in Marshalltown, Iowa to John Ernest and Alice Ernestine (Myers) Freland. In 1957, Melvin was united in marriage to Doris Ray and to this union, 8 children were born. On February 14, 1985, Melvin was united in marriage to Jean Miller. He enjoyed riding around town on his golf cart, going to garage sales, telling stories (he had a great sense of humor) and racing stock cars. Melvin also had a love for animals and ice cream!!!! He had worked as a heavy equipment operator for several years and later on had owned his own business, Trees and Bushes. Melvin is survived by his wife, Jean Freland; children: Jessie Freland of Guttenberg, Iowa, Dale Freland of Oxford, Wisconsin, Yancy Freland of Des Moines, Iowa, DeanNa (Scott) Wilson of Beaman, Iowa, LaWana (John) Frohwein of Gilman, Iowa, LuCinda (Tom) Fisher of Nevis, Minnesota, Samantha (Thomas) Olson of Asby, Minnesota, Evon (Larry) Nichols of Ottawa, Kansas and Tree (Russ) Ewalt of Marshalltown, Iowa. Also his sister, Annalee Sis Buffington; and two very special friends that he referred to as his adoptive sons, Scott Cowboy Bornhein and Jason Smith. He is also survived by twenty three grandchildren, thirty-eight great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren with one on the way and his beloved cats Novie and puppy. In death, Heavy rejoins his parents, infant daughter, Melvina; brother, Ed; infant great grandson, Gary; brother-in-law, Dick Buffington and several friends and relatives.