Republic - Melvin C. "Sluggo" Poylio, age 84, a life long Republic resident, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2017 at UP Health System Marquette.

Melvin was born September 22, 1933 in Ishpeming to the late Charles J. and Martha E. (Hakala) Poylio. He served his country in the U.S. Army from July 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1958. Melvin worked years ago for 7-Up, then as a logger, and later owner of Mel's Carpet Cleaning.

Melvin was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic, where he sang in the church choir, and also sang with the Seed Sowers. He was an avid baseball player and enjoyed umpiring. He appreciated a well-manicured lawn; one of his riding mowers sported the slogan "Mel's Joy Farm". He was very handy: he built his house, and kept his cars and lawn mowers running well past their normal lifetimes.

He loved cars and motorcycles, and once had a Jaguar (which he regretted selling). Melvin also loved to get out to visit family and friends.

Melvin is survived by a sister Estelle (Robert) Mathews of Marquette, a nephew David (Susan) Savitski of Taiwan and their children Jingshan and Jinghan, great nephew Ian (Beverly) Savitski, and their children Cameron and Chloe, along with other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Melvin's family will greet relatives and friends from 2:00-3:00 pm, on Thursday, December 28 2017, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic where funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, with Rev. Kevin Kaiser officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Spring at the Republic Twp Cemetery.

A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Melvin's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral recording can be found here .