Melvin Baeten

Melvin Baeten, 88 years old, passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 12th, 2025.   The family is deeply saddened by his death.  Melvin was born on July 31, 1936, in Wrightstown, WI as the beloved son of Angie and Fred Baeten.  Mel, as he was affectionately known, was a spirited light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.  His journey on this earth was one marked by love, faith, music and unwavering pursuit of knowledge and learning.  His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. 

Mel was the youngest of three children.  He often told fond stories of life with his sisters, as well as going to Wrightstown high school.  His work ethic and love for music came at an early age.  He was able to combine his two passions with playing trumpet in a band as early as 14 years old.  It was this passion that paved the way for a chance meeting of Beaty VanderHeiden in music lessons.  It was the beginning of a very long musical composition.  They married on May 20, 1958.  Together they built a very successful music career as well as a family.  Mel was part of the greatest love story to ever be written between two people.  A tale of almost seven decades of genuine true love and the 17 lives that were created because two people met through music, 68 years ago.  ‘Mel and Beaty’ were best friends who had unwavering love for one another and shared an unbreakable bond that made the people around them better because of it.     

Mel Baeten and the Bell Tones enjoyed more than 20 years of musical bliss.  In the 70’s, he renamed the band “Mel Baeten Orchestra”, which went on to become “Breakaway” in the 90s.   Mel was a co-founder of the Wisconsin Orchestra Leaders Association, where he served as vice president and president for many years.

Beyond music, Mel had a passion for fixing just about everything.  This proved to be very valuable as he was employed at Thilmany’s Pulp and Paper company and Kimberly Clark for many years.  While working full time, he continued his education by attending night school in Appleton.  Wherever there was a need, Mel had a tool, part and plan to fix it.  Often these mechanisms were of the most creative solutions to everyday problems.  If it was broken, Mel could fix it. Mel’s perseverance was unmatched, and he was never afraid to take on the next opportunity.  Because he also enjoyed an entrepreneurial spirit, he later opened Shade Today Tree Nursery.

Melvin is survived and dearly missed by his loving wife of 67 years, Beatrice (Beaty- VanderHeiden) Baeten, and their children Ken Baeten (Shelly Zoromski-Baeten), Karen Baeten-Daanen (Gregg Daanen), Dale Baeten (Anne Schuh-Baeten),Gary Baeten (Cari Coffey-Baeten) and Todd Baeten (Lizeth Castillo-Baeten). Forever cherished by his nine grandchildren Katie Baeten, Chad Baeten (Andrea Meulemans), Danielle Chrystal (Sean Chrystal), Derek Daanen, Tyler Baeten (Corey Bowles), Emily Dallas (Chase Dallas), Hannah Baeten (Chandler Hildebrand), Mariah (Clayton) Schramm, Haley Baeten and Daryl Wickerscheim.  Always remembered by his three great-grandchildren Raelyn Chrystal, Hayden Chrystal, and Blakely Chrystal.

Melvin was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Angie, sisters Florence and Theresa, and other beloved family members.

Although Melvin’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit and strength will continue to inspire and uplift us.  May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of perseverance and hunger for learning in all that we do.  He will remind us all to be intentional and carry out our purpose each and every day, never stop learning, be brave, and to love our families fiercely. 

A celebration of Mel’s life will be conducted at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 410 Wallace Street, Combined Locks, WI on Friday, January 17th, 2025.   The family will receive friends and loved ones from 10 am until the time of service at 12 noon.