Melvin Burtch

On July 12, 2017, the world lost an amazing man, known for his kind, loving nature.  Melvin Dale Burtch, 88, of Alma/St. Louis, MI, passed away at Schnepps in St. Louis.

“Mel” son of Hazel (Butcher) and Danual Burtch was born in Saginaw, MI on May 21, 1929.  The family moved to Wheeler, MI where he graduated from Breckenridge High School.  He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister Dorothy Nagel.  He is survived by his brothers; Kenneth and Louis Burtch and his sister Lila Singer.

Mel is survived by his wife Violet.  They had just celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on June 6th.  He is also survived by his two daughters; Kathy (Terry) Haruska and Julie (David) Peterson.  “Bumpa” is also survived by his four grandchildren; Sarah (Kevin) Dodick, Megan (Aaron) Schulz, Jeffery (Grace) Haruska, and Jason Haruska and four great-grandchildren; Jackson and Nolan Schulz and Blake and Avyn Dodick.  Mel was a loving father, husband, and grandfather and loved nothing more than his family. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, graduations, and more.

Mel loved any kind of work, especially yard work.  At Alma Products he worked in building maintenance for 41 years.  He was a member of the First Church of God and served on the board, and he was also on the board of the Rock Lake Association.  As a volunteer at the Gratiot Community hospital, he enjoyed helping to care for others.

The family would like to thank Schnepps and Southern Care Hospice Services for their loving care and support.

Visitation will be at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI on Thursday, July 13, 2017 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM.  Funeral Services for Melvin will be at The First Church of God in Alma on Friday, July 14, 2017 at 11:00 AM.

Memorial donations may be made to The First Church of God in Alma.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.