Melvin Lawrence Kromenacker

Melvin (Tip) Kromenacker passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three daughters, Kim, Kay and Kristie, on September 29, 2026.

On June 5 , 1935, above a grocery store on Galena Street here in Toledo, Mel was born to Lawrence and Marcella (Naber) Kromenacker and began his 91 years of life. After several moves, the family settled on Balkan Avenue when Melvin was 6. He attended Blessed Sacrament grade school and Central Catholic High School (Class of 55'), and he lived his best life playing sports, and making so many lifelong friends. Following his graduation, "Tip" met the love of his life, Marianne Barteck. After 55 years of marriage, following Marianne's passing in 2010, Tip continued to focus and enjoy his kids and grandkids as they raised their own families.

Together, Mel & Marianne worked hard raising their family, with Mel working and managing Walker Furniture (39 years), followed by second career, courier for Dresch Dental Lab (25 years), retiring at age 82. Mel loved football, and he loved nothing more than being able to attend the games, offer advice and bring his support to his grandsons on the football field, and all his grandchildren in whatever activity they may have chosen to pursue. He had a boundless sense of adventure, and always made time for vacations and travel, whether it was simple ride around town, a short drive to Devil' s Lake, a road-trip to Florida, or a travel excursion to Hawaii or to Europe. He was ready! Mel was resilient, bouncing back from many setbacks in his senior years, most notably a head on car crash at age 75.

Dad was the kindest, sweetest man, and that never changed, even until the end. He was a favorite. He was our Dad, our Papa, and he was always present, always loved, and always supported and believed in his 3 girls and his grandchildren. He will be forever missed and remembered for the love and devotion he brought to his family.

Melvin was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Marianne, his grandson, Jonathan Murnen and sisters Judith Lawson Mielke and Janet Blanchard.

Mel is survived by his daughters Kim Ellis (Rob Roman), Kay Murnen (Joe) and Kristie Pooley. Also surviving are grandchildren, oldest to youngest, Joshua Murnen (Shelley), Kasey Ellis (Alex Aspacher), Stephanie Willoughby (Charles), Emily Ellis (Matt Killam), Adam Ellis (Leah), Graham Ellis (Maggie) 14 great-grandchildren, and brothers; John (Kellie) Kromenacker and Bob (Pam) Kromenacker.

The family would like to thank the caring folks at Charter Senior Living, Care360 Hospice, and all of those who cared for and brought joy and comfort to his life in his final years. Services and internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute in his memory, please consider St. Francis DeSales High school, 2323 W. Bancroft Street, Toledo, Ohio 43607.