Melvin Leon Brose, 89, of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Monday, January 1, 2024 at the Holton Community Hospital in Holton, KS. He was born August 9, 1934 on the family farm in Valley Falls the son of Carl and Leona (Schneider) Brose.

Melvin graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1952. After high school, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University in 1956. While at Kansas State, Melvin was active in music including a men- quartet, participated on the Dairy Judging Team, and took First Place as the American Royal- Holstein Showman. After graduating college, Melvin served in the United States Air Force prior to returning home to operate the multi-generational family farm.

On September 1, 1956, Melvin was united in marriage to Jeanette Ann Hamon at St. Mary- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls. They shared over 67 years of marriage. Melvin was extremely proud of the growing family he shared with Jeanette. Current count, the two had grown to 39.

“Growing” was a passion of Melvin being the third generation to manage Sunrise Stock Farm in Valley Falls which has been in his family since 1893. Melvin was very diversified in the operation raising row crops, beef cattle, and the dairy operation. He assisted with transitioning to a Grade A dairy during his high school years. Milking and selling Grade A milk provided funding for his college experience.

Melvin enjoyed working with others and showed his commitment to his rural community including being a member of St. Mary- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus (Charter Member of Chapter 6671 in 1975), Bluemound Grange, Farm Cooperative, Rural Water Board, 4-H Leader, Mid-America Dairy Cooperative (member and Board Representative for 25 years) and served as Kansas Dairy Commissioner with the Department of Agriculture from 1988-1998.

Survivors include his wife Jeanette of the home; 4 children, Michael Brose (Lesa) of Valley Falls, Deidre Boyd (Patrick) of Valley Falls, Jeffrey Brose (Lisa) of Fort Collins, CO and Denise Jennings (Darren) of Valley Falls; 10 grandchildren, Christina, Dustin, Crystal, Dianna, Travis, Kelcie, Katie, Tyler, Austin and Audrey; 13 great grandchildren, Carson, Anna, Calleigh, Adelyn, Grace, Lexie, Liam, Tommy, Cameron, Anthony, Emma, Presley and Kasten.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Charlene (Brose) Wenzl.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 6, 2024 at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls, KS. Burial will follow at the St. Mary- Catholic Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5-7 P.M. Friday, January 5, 2024 at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rosary to be recited at 5:00 P.M. Melvin will lie-in-state from 2-5 P.M. Friday, January 5, 2024 at the church. Memorials may be made to the St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or to the Jefferson County Home, Health and Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave the family a special message, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com