Melvin R. Jenschke

Services for Melvin “Mel” Rudolph Jenschke, 83, of Tyler, Texas, will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel with Charles Dodson officiating. A visitation is scheduled from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler. The burial will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Brummett Cemetery in Bigfoot, Frio County, Texas, under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Mr. Jenschke passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Tyler. He was born April 7, 1941, in Fredericksburg, Texas to Clemens Albert Jenschke and Laura Jane Leyendecker who taught him to speak German at an early age. Mel first fell in love with flying as a boy while watching the planes landing at the Kerrville, Texas airport. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served honorably for four years working as an airplane mechanic. He married Margaret K. Shoemake on April 25, 1964, while employed at Rohr Aircraft in Victoria, Texas. He studied electronics in California and later landed a lineman job with TCA Cable, Inc. Mel retired after thirty years as VP of Engineering. In the meantime, he earned his pilot’s license and became an FAA certified mechanic and inspector. He used his flying skills to transport over 400 Angel Flights. In addition to flying, Mel spent his time playing soccer, as well as coaching and refereeing youth soccer teams. Later in life, Mel became passionate about his walking. On June 30th of this year, he texted his family to let them know, “On this day 10 years ago, I started keeping up with my walks. Here’s what I have done so far: 11,074.90 miles walked.” This showed his commitment to life, family, and any of his other endeavors he put his mind to. Family and friends can all attest there was never a problem or project Mel could not fix. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving family including his wife K. Jenschke, children Keith Jenschke (Robin Flynn) and Keele Steglich; sister Mary Jane Kast (Al), brothers Mike Jenschke (Charlene), Stephen Jenschke (Teri), Richard Jenschke (Donna), numerous nieces, nephews, Mel’s lunch bunch, and numerous other family friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Brent Viken, Raymond Mills, Rex Johnson, Rodney Johnson, Arnold Morris, and Randy Goad. If desired, memorials may be made to Angel Flight Inc or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Melvin R. Jenschke

April 7, 1941 - July 31, 2024