Lupé P. Meloen

Lupé P. Rodriguez Meloen, 97 previously from Kewanee passed away, Sunday, December 15th 2024, at Eden Retirement Center Glen Carbon, IL.

Lupé was born on February 10th 1927 to Santos J. Reyes Rodriguez and Mercedes Lomeli Rodriguez. Lupé was a second-generation member of St. John Paul II Parish. She was also a graduate of Visitation School and Kewanee High School.

As young women she and her sisters worked at the popular “Ice Cream Shop.” Lupé met her future husband, Jim, as he took his mother there for ice cream. Years later many fond memories were shared by Lupé’s sisters and friends about Jim driving them all to “live” music dances in many nearby cities. Lupé married James G. Meloen on July 23, 1949. They resided on a third-generation farm north of Kewanee where they displayed an exemplary amount of generosity. Lupé and Jim never mentioned that they supported five families with food and housing over decades.

Lupé will lovingly be remembered by two daughters, Lois (Michael) Woods and Lynn (Bill) Warren, beloved nephews, (like sons) Steve Marquez and Rudy Vazquez; four grandchildren, Zachary, Sierra, Andreá, Hannah; and two great grandchildren, Meloen and Sutton. There are also nieces, nephews and several godchildren.

Lupé was an active parent volunteer at Visitation School when her daughters and nephews attended. She enjoyed her years as one of the schools’ first Girl Scout Leaders. Her troop of girls were prominent fund raisers. At the end of each school year Lupé organized a luncheon for the troop to celebrate their accomplishments. The girls enjoyed the fun, food and their favorite jukebox music.

Lupé enhanced her public speaking skills as a graduate of Dale Carnegie. She served as an Officer of the Ladies Knights of Columbus. Lupé was requested and served at BHC East, teaching basic English to Spanish speakers.

As an “empty nester” Lupé worked for GE in Morrison, IL. and then for Bridgeway in Kewanee. The latter job she cherished her role guiding adults requiring supervision. Lupé dearly loved family, dancing, was an avid reader and traveled to six countries.

Lupé was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters and brother; Dee (Don) Lazar, Henrietta (Manuel) Diaz of Kewanee; Jennie (Merle) Richardson; and a brother Tony (Mary Ann) Rodriguez of Peru, IL.

Finally, a special thanks goes out to Lupé’s Lake Street neighbors. They befriended Lupé in her elder years and alerted family living in other cities of any issues.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 am, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home, Kewanee, IL. The memorial will start at 10:30 am followed by graveside services at 11:15 am. Your special memories of Lupe’ and Jennie may be shared briefly with attendees at the memorial if you choose to do so.

In lieu of flowers for Lupé, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Visitation Catholic School or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Please leave an online condolence for Lupé’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

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