GUERNSEY – Leonard M. “Mel” Japp passed away on Nov. 28, 2019.
He was born Sept. 18, 1946, to Leonard M. Japp & Eleanor May Barnts in Sidney, Neb. He attended school in Sterling, Colo. He then served in the military and was honorably discharged. Mel attended college at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling and was working on a degree in Special Education.
Mel went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad and worked for them until he retired in October 2006.
Mel was preceded in death by his first wife Karen Marie “Kincade” Japp of Guernsey; two brothers, Rick Japp of Kansas City, Kan., and Roger Japp of Sterling.
Mel is survived by his wife-Cynthia Japp of Guernsey; his sister Nyla Japp of Apache Junction, Ariz., his daughter Melissa Fenster and Jim Lashburn of Casper and Melissa’s two sons, Tejay Fenster and Ty Fenster of Hyannis, Neb., his daughter Melinda Kelley and son-in-law Shannon Kelley of Guernsey and their daughter, Afton Kelley, and son Chase Kelley.
He is also survived by a stepdaughter Rachel Mauldin and husband Nick Mauldin and their two children, Grayson Mauldin and Piper Mauldin of Bentonville, Ark., and stepdaughter Relina Golder and her two sons Franklyn Golder and Sonny Ray Ramirez of Guernsey.
The family is planning a “Celebration of Life” in late spring or early summer this next year. An announcement will follow in the paper for the exact time and place.
The family wishes to extend a “Special” Thank you for all the personal visits, cards, and text messages sent following Mel’s passing.
