Birckbichler

Melvin J. Birckbichler, 83, of Conneaut, Ohio, died Sunday afternoon at the UH Conneaut Medical Center with his family at his side.

Melvin was born Dec. 30, 1926, in Butler, the son of Henry and Cora Williams Birckbichler.

He attended high school in Butler and went to work for the Armco Steel Corp.

He entered the U.S. Army in June 1945. He served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1947.

Melvin returned to work for Armco Steel in Butler and then moved to Conneaut in 1951. Melvin went to work for the Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad and worked for the Bessemer Railroad for more than 37 years as a yardman.

Melvin was a member of St. Mary/St. Frances Cabrini Parrish and the Conneaut Moose Club and was a former member of the V.F.W.

He enjoyed golfing and bowling and also liked to garden and travel to Florida. He especially loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Cora Blakeley Birckbichler; three sisters, Lucille Wilson, Rita Smith and Teresa Ritzert; and two brothers, Thomas and Henry Birckbichler.

He is survived by a son, Melvin "John" and Karin Birckbichler Jr. of New Jersey; two daughters, Kitty and Tom Husted of Shelbyville, Del., and Mary and Dennis Byrd of Conneaut; a brother, James Birckbichler of Butler; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and his constant companion, Suzy, his beloved cat.

<B>BIRCKBICHLER</B> — Calling hours for Melvin J. Birckbichler, who died Sunday, April 11, 2010, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the <B>RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME</B>, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut, Ohio. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Mary Church, 480 State St., Conneaut, with Father Raymond Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery, Route 20, Conneaut, where the American Legion Honor Squad will conduct full military rites.Memorial contributions may be made to STM/SFC Capital Campaign Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.