Melvin David Cohen

Stoughton -- Melvin David Cohen passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, October 13, 2010. He was born in Fond du Lac on May 30, 1931, son of Sam and Alvina (Wolf) Cohen. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, two younger siblings, Lawrence Cohen and Clarice Foreyt, and many comrades, friends and family members. He is survived by his daughters Nikki Cohen-Wichner and Tanya Cohen, son-in-law, Bob Cohen-Wichner, granddaughters Mariah Cohen-Davis and Britni Cohen-Wichner, his brother Ronald Cohen, uncle ""Forry"" Wolf who was like a brother to him, special friend Arline Duesler as well as family and friends dear to his heart. At 15 years of age, he volunteered for US Regular Army and earned the World War II Victory Medal at the age of 16. He was most proud of his CIB (Combat Infantry Badge) which honored time he served in E' Company 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division APO 201 on the front lines in the Korean War where he earned 2 Bronze Stars. He and Marilyn made their first true home in La Rochelle, France while he served as an Information Specialist and Editor of The Sea Sider newspaper. He was honored to serve as an Information Officer based at the Presidio in San Francisco.   As Sergeant 1st Class he was honorably discharged without accepting the Purple Heart he earned for battle wounds. He didn't want his parents getting a telegram that he was wounded. With the assistance of Tammy Baldwin and his combat comrades, he accepted the Purple Heart in 2002.   He then began to receive benefits as a Disabled Veteran, those which he could have had his whole life. Mel was a global thinker while remaining in love with his country. He never met a stranger and was unforgettable. Mel was a true entrepreneur and continued his father's legacy as a produce broker. He could peddle anything whether it be mismatched socks or watermelons from a roadside stand, from the Chicago Market to the docks on the shores of Tampa where he worked for Trafficante Produce. He and Marilyn owned several successful Wisconsin businesses: Mel-Mar Mountain Farm, Fast Shop Foods Services, two restaurants -- Mel's Swingin' Inn and the Sub Station, an animal bedding business -- Bert's Bedding, Mel Cohen Produce/Fruit Circuses, Prairie Acres Arabians and The Interstate Horse Center. He was an activist for many causes, including organizing STRAP, leading independent truckers during the strike caused by surging fuel prices in the late 1970's. Mel retired in 1997 after many years as an Owner-Operator for Ranger Nationwide and other national trucking companies. He renewed his commitment to community as an active Life member of American Legion (Post 59) and VFW (Post 328) where he served on the House Committee, as Judge Advocate and Chaplain and was a member of Supreme Pup Tent Military Order of the Cootie of the United States. He also was a member of Voluntary Underage Military Service (VUMS), Disabled American Veterans, Korean War Association, and the Kettle Moraine Chapter of the Association for 1st Cavalry Division. Always politically astute, Mel served as Commander of VFW Post 10203 during Vietnam when this post challenged the war and became known as ""The Peace Post.""   He was a candidate in 1972 for WI Assembly, 38th Assembly District, Democratic primary.   He always voted and encouraged others to also.   He worked the Census during retirement.   He was elected Governor of the Madison Moose Lodge and took a 1200 mile ""Bucket Trip"" even after accepting in-home Hospice Care in February 2010. Memorial Service will be held Sunday October 17, 2010 at 2:00 pm at West Koshkonong Lutheran Church, 1911 Koshkonong Rd., Stoughton, with Rev Richard Dowling officiating. Visitation begins at 1:00 pm at church. There will be full military honors and burial.   Special thanks to Hospice Care, all of the VA Hospital & Clinic staff, especially Diane Holt in Cardiology.   The team in place made it possible for his long journey, letting him be ""In Charge, On the Road, or At Home"".   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the veterans organization of your choice. ""I was a soldier. I am a soldier. I will always be a soldier."" - Melvin Cohen