Melvin "Mel" Platzke III, 48, died July 29 at the home of Kip Helverson and Trey Gonzales with Helverson by his side. At the time of this publication, the cause of death is unknown.
Windy City Times was made aware of his death via a Facebook posting.
Platzke, who most recently split his time between Chicago and Miami, was a part of a class-action lawsuit filed against some of the top modeling agencies in the U.S. this past June. Their claim states that these agencies fleeced their clients by deducting bogus expenses as well as classifying them as independent contractors to circumvent labor laws.
He was born March 10, 1968 in Oak Harbor, Ohio and spent his childhood there before moving to Chicago to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago ( SAIC ) where he received a bachelor's degree in residential planning and design. While at SAIC, Platzke also studied performing arts and theater production.
One of the motivating factors that drove Platzke to residential planning and design as his major was his early years spent learning construction and home repair from his dad. He began reimaging problem spaces in homes with an eye for affordability and making a big impact.
He spent 17 years working as a fashion model for well-known designers and photographers in Europe, Africa and the Americas. In addition to his modeling career, Platzke also designed and created coffee tables, side tables and other furniture as well as original artwork which was featured on "Million Dollar Listing" and "Flip This House." Platzke's work is also displayed at Wood restaurant in Chicago. His commercial work has been installed in Chicago, Miami, Raleigh and New York City and his outdoor lounge furniture is also in residential dwellings in Chicago and Miami.
Platzke is survived by his dog Pepper, his mother, two sisters and his loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father.
"Mel and I appreciated our differences and enjoyed our similarities," said longtime friend Helverson. "If he was Ferris Bueller, I guess that makes me Cameron....ugh!"
"For the very first Halloween parade in Boystown in 1997, Mel and I decided we wanted to walk the route before we had to bartend together at Roscoe's," said longtime friend Matthew Harvat aka Circuit Mom. "Mel decided we needed to be in drag, so we bought matching pleather French maid costumes and strutted our stuff. It was very liberating and from that moment on, I knew this handsome man would be an amazing friend for life. Countless adventures over 20 plus years in Chicago, Miami, New York, Montreal and more-all of them filled with joy. His heart of gold, unmistakable humor, incomparable talents in furniture making and fine art will forever live on. So many memories filled with awe and gratitude for the times we shared."
"Mel always did so much for everyone and never wanted anything in return except for people to be happy," said longtime friend Emily Santos. "He made me laugh harder, dance more and love life just by being my friend and occasional partner in crime."
Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to cover the costs associated with Platzke's funeral. To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/2htjnh8.
Memorial services will take place in Chicago, Miami and New York City. Further information about these services TBA.
