Leonard “Blackie” D. Meltz, 85, of Sparta, died Saturday, August 23, 2008 at his home. He was born on May 10, 1923 in Sparta to Edward and Alsie (Fanning) Meltz. He grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School. He served in the US Navy during WWII and was stationed overseas. He then moved back to Sparta.

     He married Delores LaDue on September 20, 1950 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta. He worked for Sparta Brush and then for the Monroe County Highway Department from 1954 until his retirement in 1988. Blackie was an avid sports fan and enjoyed the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago Cubs.

     He is survived by his brothers, Willard (Shirley) Meltz of Arkansas, Jason (Millie) Meltz of Coon Rapids, MN, and Orin Meltz of Detroit Lakes, MN; brother and sister in-laws, Spencer (Anna) La Due of Beloit, WI, Kathryn (Gary) Woodworth of Janesville, WI, Margaret La Due of Sparta, Geri (Paul) Arthur of Janesville, Janette La Due of Madison, WI, and Vicki (Kevin) Riley of Sparta.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Delores; a sister, Alice Petty; a brother, Merrill Meltz; and brother and sister in-laws, Sally Walls, Shirley Garves, Jerry La Due, Glenn La Due, Jim La Due, and Dale La Due.

     Memorial services will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father James Leary OFM Cap. officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Sparta.

     Family and friends are invited to call at the church on Wednesday from 12 noon until time of services.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.