Gail Marven Melick

Gail Melick died peacefully on October 17, 2025, at the age of 97. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy, with whom he shared 38 years of love and companionship; his two sons, Daniel and Matthew; his two Russian daughters, Svetlana Ignatieva (Alec) and Maria Liapina; and seven grandchildren, Teri, Dane (Cortney), Cassie, Noah, and Maegan Melick, and Sasha and Dasha Liapina.

Born on January 11, 1928, on a farm in northeast Iowa, Gail graduated from high school in Waterloo, Iowa. He served in the United States Navy as a journalist, writing for several hometown newspapers.

After earning a degree in Philosophy from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, he received his MBA from the University of Chicago and pursued further studies at Northwestern University.

Gail spent 32 years at Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Company, retiring as Chief Operating Officer in 1983. During his distinguished career, he served on the President’s Advisory Council on Management for President Richard Nixon, as President of the Chicago Crime Commission, President of the Banking Research Center at Northwestern University, Chairman of the Continental Venture Capital Company, and on several charitable boards, including the Vatican Art Council. He lectured widely on management philosophy and taught “Religions of Mankind” to high school students.

Following his banking career, Gail continued to share his expertise through consulting assignments in Chicago, Jamaica, Russia, and several other countries. For over forty years, he was deeply involved in the world of fine and rare wines, retiring in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board of HDH Wine Company. He also devoted more than three decades to Classical Movements (Alexandria, VA), retiring from its non-profit arm, Musical Movements for Change, in 2023. In addition, he served for many years as Chairman of the Board for River Valley Ranch and Bergamot Brass.

A lifelong traveler, Gail explored nearly every continent, frequently bringing family and friends along to share in his adventures.

He never lost sight of his roots. It was always his belief that, no matter where he went or what he achieved, he remained at heart an Iowa farm boy.

He loved life, and accepted death.

Celebration of Gail's life is being planned for a future date.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family has asked that you send a donation in Gail's name to either the Lake Geneva Food Pantry or Lakeland Animal Shelter.

To post an online condolence please proceed to the bottom of the page under Guest Book and submit your post.

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting Gail's family.