George Ben Mellinger, 59, of Hazleton, and formerly of Northome, MN died Sunday, February 27, 2011 at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein.

          George was born on May 21, 1951 in Minneapolis, MN to parents George and Martha (Klingler) Mellinger.  He attended Richfield High School, graduating in 1969.  George had been a Nurses Aide for many years, until relocating to Hazleton to be near his family.  He enjoyed his family, and his taking care of his cat.  George also liked going to the casino and being outdoors.  He was a jokester, with a sense of humor that will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

          Left to cherish George’s memory are his sisters: Duranda (Dean) Hansen of Oelwein, Barb (Steve) Schmitz of Waterloo, and Mary Lee of Florida; his step-mother Evelyn Mellinger; his special caregivers and nieces DeAnn (Fritz) Michels of Hazleton, and Debbie Hansen of Oelwein; as well as many more nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews; and his cat Wendy.

          In death, George has rejoined his parents; his step-father Thomas Russell; his sister's Tammy Peek and Mary Lou Mellinger; and two nieces: Sherry Hansen and Kari Posekany.

Services: Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately with his family.