Melvin Carl Reisner was born July 28, 1940, in Virginia, Idaho to Richard Carl and Anna Mayr Reisner. He was the second of their three children. Mel graduated from Marsh Valley High School in 1958. From an early age, Mel was filled with wanderlust and, after graduation, he and a friend hitchhiked through Europe for 6 months. During this time he relied on the kindness and generosity of strangers, which gave him an appreciation for the lands and the people of Europe. After returning, Mel returned to serve a three-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Austrian/Bavarian mission.

After serving his mission, Mel graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Journalism. While there he met and married the love of his life, Beverly Kay Ruth. They were married 52 years and had five children.

In the course of their marriage, they crisscrossed the United States, living in Idaho, Utah, Montana, Washington, New York, Arizona and finally ending back in Idaho for their final years. Mel loved exploring the different areas of the country and instilled a love of exploration in his children. In addition to State Capitols and museums, arboretums, gardens, and parks were favorite destinations, where Mel often shared his considerable knowledge and love of horticulture. Mel always left the land better than he found it, planting several trees at every house he owned.

Mel was an accomplished writer, with a 38-year career writing for the Associated Press, covering the Lake Placid Olympic Games in 1980 and countless pro-sports events in New York and Arizona. But Mel's true passion was creative writing, weaving fantastical stories for his kids. After retirement, Mel finally finished and published "The Leatherman," a novel he started in the '70s but put off to pursue his career with the AP. Mel was also an avid athlete. He played in city softball leagues and at 40 he began training for marathons and triathlons, completing four marathons (including the New York City Marathon) and two triathlons.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; their five children: Melanie (Mark) Grover of Ashburn, Virginia, Heather (Jason) Martin of Ammon, Idaho, Holly (Larkin) Beauchat of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Michael (Laura) Reisner of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Bradley (Sheena) Reisner of Bolivar Missouri; and by 22 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandson Easton.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/donations/church/humanitarian-services/humanitarian-aid-fund.html or https://support.nationalforests.org/give/298614/#!/donation/checkout .

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2020, at the Ammon West Stake Center, 2055 Coronado. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at the Marsh Center Cemetery in Robin, Idaho. Arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com .