Earnest (Mel) Vornkahl, 81 of Burlington, IA died Sunday, May 11, 2014 at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, IA. Mel was born July 13, 1932 in Clark County, MO the son of Elmer E. and Bertie Clifton Vornkahl. He was united in marriage to Ruth Ethelyn (Losey) Vornkahl on April 27, 1952. He graduated from Revere High School in 1950. Mel joined the U.S.Army in December, 1952. He served with the 511th Abn. Signal Corp, 11th Abn. Division, providing communications for the division. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1954. Thereafter he worked for the Sheaffer Pen Company and then as a salesman for the Coca-Cola Company. From 1965 until his retirement in 1994, he worked for the Hubinger Company/H.J. Heinz/Roquette America, ending his career there as a Quality Assurance Analyst. After his retirement, he enjoyed driving automobiles for area car dealerships, especially Shottenkirk Motors. He was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Hubinger Management Club, American Legion Post #41 and Elks #106, all in Keokuk and Moose Lodge #579 in Burlington. The Vornkahl's were members of the Winebago Itasca Travelers where Mel served two terms as president. Mel was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Hubco Credit Union for fifteen years, ending his tenure as Chairman of the Board. He participated in the building of the first three Habitat for Humanity homes in Keokuk. He was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk and after moving to Burlington, Grace United Methodist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing games and socializing with friends and family. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Mel carded a Hole in One on the #5 green at the Keokuk Elks Club. He was always ready for a game of cards. Mel and Ruth traveled throughout the United States for twelve years in their motor home which was a great experience, living in southern Texas and or Arizona for the winter months. Many lasting friends were made. Mel never met a person he couldn't visit with and be a friend to. He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Ruth Vornkahl, his daughters. Deborah Lynn Eckstein and Jan Elaine Vornkahl both of Freemont, CA and Susan Lee Johnson of Burlington, IA, his grandchildren, Lance Corporal Grant Michael Johnson of Camp LeJeune, NC, Wesley Ross Johnson of Burlington, IA and Emily Lauren Eckstein of Freemont, CA his brother, Merrill Vornkahl of Bourbonnais, IL, special cousin, Wilma Doud of Wickenburg, AZ and many sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Marvin Eston Vornkahl. Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 19, 2014 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Reverends Dean Graber and Trevor Davis officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk. Memorials may be made to Great River Hospice House or the Holden Cancer Clinic in Iowa City, IA.