Mel began playing organ at Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Watertown,

Wisconsin during his high school years. He continued his organ studies at Dr. Matin Luther college at New Ulm, Minnesota. He then taught organ at Mobridge Lutheran Academy in the late 1950’s to 40 organ students each week.
Joel Kuznik and Dr. Henry Englehardt were some of Mel’s organ instructors. He played organ at various

churches in Milwaukee and the surrounding area. He helped out Trinity Lutheran Church in Crete Illinois for seven years by teaching Junior high school and playing the organ for two services each Sunday. He came to Lake Park as organist in 1978. Headed up the organ committee to get a new organ for the celebration of the Lake Park’s 75th anniversary. He helped establish the Ad Hoc Music Ensemble.
Mel is currently working with the organ committee to complete the Steiner Wrek instrument installed to celebrate Lake Park’s 100th anniversary. This work will begin in the fall 2009!