Obituary of Melvin Crehl

Melvin A. Crehl, age 99, of Billings, MT formerly of Carlinville, IL, passed away Sunday morning, February 19, 2017, a the Butterfly Home Assisted Living in Billings, MT. Melvin was born August 9, 1917, in Carlinville, IL, a son of Gus and Marie Harms Crehl. Melvin farmed with his father until he was recruited to served in the Army during W.W. #2. He was in the first group to be drafted from Macoupin County. Melvin served in Holland, Belgium and ended his tour in Germany and was there for VE Day. He was discharged in 1945 as a Staff Sergeant. He married Marie E. Taylor November 17, 1946 in Springfield, IL and she passed away in 2008. Melvin worked for the Carlinville Democrat as a printer most of his life. He retired in 1985. Melvin moved to Montana in 2014 to be close to his family who had just relocated there. Melvin was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Guy Baird American Legion Post #554 and John L. Meyers VFW Post #1104. Melvin was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jessica Schreiter, sister, Alberta Lehmann, wife, Marie E. Crehl, father, Gus Crehl, mother, Marie Crehl. A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery in Carlinville. Rev. Kevin Strope will officiate. Military rites will follow by Guy Baird American Legion Post #554. There will be no visitation. Melvin is survived by his daughter, Nancy (Louis D.) Schreiter of Joliet, MT, grandson, Justin (Victoria) Schreiter, granddaughter, Rebecca (Mark) Kuntz, grandson, Jason (Caitlyn) Schreiter and four great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ and Carlinville High School Nurse's Fund.