Melvin Wittler

Melvin “Mugs” Wittler, 90, of Quincy, formerly of Loraine, passed away at 4:15 am on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the Bradford Villa in Quincy.

He was born on May 2, 1930 in Fowler, IL, a son to the late Edwin and Mary Ellen (Tweedell) Wittler.

He is survived by five children; Donna (Paul) Harrison of Bowen, and their children, Chris (Debbie) Harrison, Scott (Bethany) Harrison, Doug (Leanna) Harrison, Linda Wittler of Quincy, Melvin (Connie) Wittler, Jr. of Loraine, and their children, Lee (Abby) Wittler, Lacie (Steven) Meyers, and Stevie Emsminger,  Bruce (Alycia) Wittler of Mendon, and their children, Barry (Ashley) Wittler, Alex (Amy) Wittler, Terry (Helen) Wittler of Loraine and their children, Jessica (Clayton) Frese, Amanda (Tyler) Molohon, Nathan (Erica) Hilgenbrink, Jen (Steven) Dougherty, Casey (Ande) Long and Thomas (Tori) Long; he was Poppy to his grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bill Honer and his wife Joyce, sisters-in-law, Shirley Wittler, Elise Honer and Harriet Honer, many nieces and nephews he loved and that loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ginny, one son, Melvin in infancy; brothers, Edwin “Junie” Wittler, Jr. (Virginia), Virgil “Bill” Wittler (Ann and Eva), Eugene “Slim” Wittler (Virginia) and Larry “Doc” Wittler, a sister, Dorothy Sapp, one daughter-in-law, Marsha (Graff) Wittler; and one grandson, Gregg Harrison.

Melvin served in the Navy from 1950 until 1954. While stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Station, he met the love of his life Virginia “Ginny” Honer on a blind date set up by his brother and her best friend, Ann and Bill Wittler.  Fifteen days later, the Illinois farm boy and city girl married on June 9, 1951 in Broomall, PA.  Ginny passed away on June 5, 2011, four days before their 60th wedding anniversary.  Melvin farmed in the Mendon and Loraine area. He was a member of the American Legion Post #823, VFW and the AMVETS Post #76 in Ursa. There were many parties, fish fries and holidays on “the Hill”.  Moving to Loraine in 1978 a shop was built and the get togethers continued and the 1st annual Wittler chili cook-off. Shortly after his 86th birthday a serious four-wheeler wreck helped him decide to move to “town”.  Fortunately he moved to Bradford Villa.   In December, he recovered from COVID-19 and most recently another serious illness.

The family especially wishes to thank, Jeannie Hattermar, owner of Bradford Vila and the entire staff.  Thank you for almost four years of loving care and keeping him comfortable and at peace in his final journey.  We appreciate your love and companionship you gave to him.  You were all very special to him and us.

Private Funeral Services will held on Friday, January 15, 2021 at the Hunter Funeral Home in Mendon with Rev. Connie Jenkins officiating.  Interment will follow at New Loraine Cemetery with Military Honors.  An informal visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at the Hunter Funeral Home in Mendon.  Mask and social distancing will be required.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Loraine United Methodist Church or to the Bear Creek American Legion Post #823.