Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2008, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato, with Rev. John Kunz, Rev. James Steffes, Rev. Tim Biren and Rev. Francis Kunz officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be from 4–7 p.m. on Sunday at Mankato Mortuary. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Mel was born on September 25, 1926, in Furzol, Lebanon. He was the son of Tom and Najbie (Ramy) Chalhoub. Mel immigrated to the United States with his wife, Elaine, and children, Najwa and Tony, in 1960. Mel has made Mankato his home for the past 48 years and built a life for his family through hard work and faith. Known to many as “Papa”, Mel was full of life and one-liners until the very end. His gracious presence and hospitality warmed the hearts of all those who knew him. He lived this life as a servant to those he loved, and left this life as a king in their eyes. He will be forever missed. May God bless him as he has blessed us.

Mel is survived by his children, Najwa (John) Massad of Mankato and Tony (Kathy) Chalhoub of St. Peter; his brother, Vic (Donna) Chalhoub of Mankato; six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; his parents; and two brothers and two sisters.