Melvin T. Aukamp, 80, of Spring Hill, FL, passed away on June 27, 2023, surrounded by family. Mel was born on February 6, 1943, in Chicago, IL. An avid Cubs and Bears fan, Mel was thrilled when the Cubs finally broke the “Curse of the Billy Goat” and won the World Series in 2016. Mel grew up in Mount Prospect, IL, and later graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where his oldest grandson is a student today. After graduating from SIU, Mel met and married Margaret “Marge” (Heintz) Aukamp. They had two children, Christine and Mark Aukamp, both born in Williamsburg, VA. The family initially lived in Newport News, VA, and then moved their family to Morristown, TN, in 1986. In later years, Mel and Marge lived in Mills River, NC, and Spring Hill, FL, until they became full-time Floridians. The Aukamps were avid tennis players and liked to play golf. Cards of all kinds (bridge, canasta, pinochle, rummy, cribbage, war, spit, etc.) were always played with friends and at family get togethers. Mel is survived by his two children, Christine and Mark, as well as their significant others and his three grandsons, Jacob (21), Ian (20), and Lucas (18). He is also survived by his brother, Ron Aukamp, of Highlands Ranch, CO, Ron’s children, Mike and DeeDee Aukamp, and several cousins. Mel was predeceased by his wife, Marge, his parents, Edgar and Albina, and his sister-in-law, Sue. Mel had lived in beautiful Timber Pines in Spring Hill, FL, for the last several years, enjoying tennis, golf, his many friends, the Irish Club (he was German but they let him in anyway), and the Country Club of the Pines. Mel stayed with Christine in Charleston, SC for the final months of his life. We are grateful for this spring with him, during which he enjoyed spending time with his children, grandsons, and his many great friends at Blues. A Celebration of Life will be had in both Charleston, SC, and in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, FL, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to either the Red Cross in Mel’s name (in honor of the many infusions of platelets Mel had in recent years which helped to keep him with us) or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. www.redcross.org www.stjude.org
Melvin T. Aukamp
