Melvin ''Mel'' Hershberger

Melvin ''Mel'' Hershberger, 69, of Strasburg, died Sunday, December 16, 2001 in Aultman Hospital at Canton.

Mel was the former co-owner/operator of Mel's Custom Butchering at Strasburg.

Born August 22, 1932 at Trail, Ohio, he was son of the late Menno & Lydia Hershberger.

A well decorated veteran of the Korean War, Mel earned, among other honors, the Purple Heart for his service in the Marine Corps. He was a member of the Chas. Hofer post of the American Legion at Strasburg and was responsible for raising the flag at Strasburg High football games for many years.

He was a member of the St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg and Cypress Lodge # 604 at Strasburg. For more than 35 years Mel enjoyed bowling in leagues and recreationally and had most recently enjoyed playing golf.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Mae Hershberger, who died August 19.

Survivors include:
2 sonsJeff & Wendy Hershberger of Strasburg
Terry & Sherry Hershberger of Sugarcreek
5 grandchildrenBrett & Bethany of Strasburg
Jessica, Jordan & Jace of Sugarcreek
4 sistersMary Stutz of Dover
Liz Wilhelm of Dundee
Katie Grossniklaus of Wilmot
Amanda Fresch of Wilmot
BrotherDavid Hershberger of Winesburg

In addition to his parents and wife, Mel was preceded in death by a brother, Eli Hershberger, and a sister, Clara Lang.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 19, at 11:00am in the St. John United Church of Christ at Strasburg with Rev. Gerald G. Schuessler officiating. Interment will be in the Grandview Union Cemetery at Strasburg where the Strasburg American Legion will perform rites.

Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home, Dover on Tuesday, from 6-9pm. Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Mel by visiting the ''online obituaries'' link on the funeral home's website.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to either the St. John United Church of Christ at Strasburg or to the Chas. Hofer Post of the American Legion at Strasburg.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
(330) 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com