Melvin Pyhtilla

Melvin “Mel” Veikko Jaako Pyhtilla, 88, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2009, in Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine. He was born August 13, 1921 in Nisula, Finland, the son of the late Andrew and Anna (Jokola) Pyhtila.

On October 18, 1985, he married Donna M. (Neer) in Lima, Ohio, and she survives. He is also survived by a step-daughter; Alice (Mel) Shields of Bellefontaine, four grandchildren; Mark (Sara) Shields of Sidney, Ohio, David (Misty) Shields of Jackson Center, Ohio, Diane (Dave) Shields of Bellefontaine, and Sherri (Perry) Hodies of Bellefontaine; thirteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a step-son, John Van Horn; three brothers and two sisters.

He was a veteran of the United States Army serving his country during World War II. He worked for Chrysler in Michigan and then for General Dynamics (Tank Plant) in Lima, Ohio, for thirty years before retiring. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Lima, was an avid golfer, and belonged to the Hawthorne Country Club in Lima, and in his younger years played semi-pro hockey.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, August 27, 2009, at 5:00 P.M. at the Kauffman-Eichholtz Funeral Home in West Liberty, Ohio, and will be conducted by Rev. Jonathon Bull. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. There will be military honors preformed by the Logan County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 25 N. Michigan Ave. Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601-7633; or online at http://www.alz.org/index.asp.

Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com

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