The family of Mel Warstler is heartbroken to announce his passing on December 16, 2020.
Mel was born in Fresno, CA to Carl and Lila Warstler, the youngest of 5 children. He was raised in Oregon and loved the coast, the green mountains, the waterfalls, and the misty rain.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mary, sons Randy and Mike Warstler, stepsons Jake, Kyle, and Corey Coval, his mother Lila Warstler, sister Caroline and brothers Jack and Joe, and many grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father Carl, sister Elizabeth and brother Dave.
Mel was a skilled craftsman, taking everything that he did to perfection. Throughout his working life he either rose to lead crews or owned his business, for example, Oasis Plastering, which did the stucco on the Wells Fargo Bank, the Stockmen’s Holiday Inn, the Pony Express Post Office, and numerous other buildings in Fallon; and Mel’s Custom Woodshop, where he built Adirondack chairs for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. But Mel always said the best job he ever held was as a DJ at the KHWG radio station, hosting Mel’s Wild West Show.
Most people will remember Mel as the Karaoke host at the Big Horn or as the leader of his band Silverwing which played throughout Nevada for over 25 years at numerous parties and events, such as Night in the Country, the Nevada Republican Convention, opening for Casey Donohue at the Knitting Factory, the 4th of July Events at the Ponderosa Saloon in Virginia City and the at the American Legion Hall and Boomer’s Bar in Fallon.
Mel was a self-taught musician, playing his first paid gig at 16 with a band of retired professionals who shared tips and tricks, taking his guitar playing skills to another level. He had the ability to hear and immediately play just about any piece of music by ear. He was also a talented songwriter, who produced 2 CDs of original music, Moonshine and County Line. We will all miss his amazing guitar leads, stellar vocals, and all the fun that his talent brought into our lives.
He was a devoted husband to Mary and a strong father who expected the best from his children. He is loved by all and will be missed forever.
Please join Mary and the family at a celebration of life on Saturday, August 14th at Ana’s Café (formerly the Waterhole) at 111 So Allen St, Fallon, NV. Doors will open at 7:30 pm with the service at 8 pm.
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