MELVIN MEHLING

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MELVIN MEHLING February 15, 1940 - October 25, 2014 It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Melvin Mehling. Left to mourn his passing is his loving wife of 53 years, Joyce (nee Freund); his children: Derrick (Gaylene) Mehling and their sons Lyle (Shelley), Cole and special friend Samantha, and Trent; daughter Lori Hrabluik and her daughter Danielle (Kevin); and son Kevin (Michelle) Mehling and their daughters Melissa and Kayla. Also left to mourn are his brothers and sisters: Norman (Glorian), Dennis (Phyllis), Shirley (Ernie) Hollender, Lorne (Angie), Brenda Mehling and good friend Cindy Hayman; sisters-in-law Elsie Schilke, Elma Drzewiec, Norma Lyndon, and Linda Freund. Melvin was predeceased by his parents Fred and Mathilda Mehling. Dad grew up and was raised in the Bristol area. He met and fell in love with Joyce in 1958, they married on September 2, 1961. They moved to Portage La Prairie in 1962 where he worked for J.A. Keddy's. There they had three children. In the mid 1960s, Dad took over East End Shell in Portage until 1972. They moved their family back to Steinbach in December of 1972. Dad worked for Bowes Seal Fast until 1973 and took over Super Shell in 1974. In 1975, he started the business, Birch Auto. He sold the Shell station in 1983 and continued running Birch Auto for 39 years until his retirement in December 2013. Mom and Dad enjoyed many years at Delta Beach, Lilac Resort, and their cottage at Rainy River, where Dad enjoyed his time fishing, boating, and spending time with his family, grandchildren and many friends. Dad was always proud of his garden and flowers. He always had an abundance of vegetables. Dad was very active in many organizations including Kinsmen, Steinbach Mets Baseball, Steinbach Curling Club, Church Choir, Friedensfeld Community Centre, Auto Sense and many other automotive organizations across Canada. Dad spent the last few months caring for his loving wife until he became ill himself. During the last week of his life he ended up in the hospital sharing the same hospital room with Mom until he passed. The family would like to thank the Bethesda Hospital doctors and staff, Birchwood Funeral Chapel, St. Paul's Lutheran Church and our family and friends for all their support and prayers. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, and at the church prior to the service. Funeral service will be held Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Steinbach, MB with burial to follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Melvin may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 465 Henry St., Steinbach, MB R5G 0H1. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 29, 2014