Melvin Kettler

Melvin Henry Kettler, 93, husband of Elinor H. Kettler, died May 10, 2010 in Brenham. Melvin was born April 29, 1917 in the Zionsville Community of Washington County to Otto and Emma Holle Kettler, He was baptized July 1, 1917 in Zion Lutheran Church of Zionsville, where he was also confirmed on March 20, 1932. He attended the Harrisburg School in the Zionsville area. Melvin proudly served his country in the U. S. Army during World War II. On November 26, 1942, he married Ella Mae Werchan, who preceded him in death on December 27, 1988. He later married Elinor Brooks on September 7, 1996 in Brenham. Melvin was the former manager and co-owner of Green Grain Co. of Brenham, retiring after 56 years of service. For 60 years, he was a member of both the Brenham Evening Lions Club and the Buddy Wright Post 48 of the American Legion. For 65 years, he was a member of the Brenham Elks Lodge, and was active in the Chapter 139 DAV. In addition, he served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He was a member of St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Melvin was truly a man of integrity and honor whose actions were a testimony to his Christian faith. Survivors include his wife, Elinor Kettler of Brenham; son and daughter-in-law Ron Kettler and Yueting Sun; daughters Kaye Jordan, Kathy Cardiff and husband William; stepdaughters Julie Tegeler and husband Larry, Georgana Marek and husband David and stepson Philip Harrison and wife Jeanette; grandchildren: Kyle and Tracy Kettler, Kolby and Kristen Kettler, Alicia Jordan; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Ann Kettler, Will Kettler, Katherine Kettler, Ashton Kettler, and Pierce Kettler; brothers and sisters-in-law Elwood and Katy Ruth Kettler, Archie and Tina Kettler, as well as sisters-in-law Pat Kettler, Ellen Kettler and Lillian Werchan. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife and mother of his children, Ella Mae Werchan Kettler, his brother Milton and wife Ella Kettler, his brothers Lilburn and Vernon Kettler, brother-in-law Alex Werchan, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Louis and Corinne Werchan, Alfred and Emma Werchan, Walter and Ella Werchan, Paul and Lenora Miller. Funeral services for Melvin Henry Kettler will be held Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brenham, with Pastor Lawrence Bade officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Pallbearers are Kyle Kettler, Kolby Kettler, Kenneth Kettler, James Kettler, Kenneth Korthauer William Cardiff, and Larry Tegeler. Memorials may be directed to the Radio and T. V. Ministry of St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. 979 836-4564. To view the obituary online or post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.