Melvin Veikko Jaako "Mel" Pyhtila

Bellefontaine

Melvin Veikko Jaako “Mel” Pyhtila, 88, died Aug. 25, 2009, in Mary Rutan Hospital, Bellefontaine.

He was born Aug. 13, 1921, in Nisula, Finland, to Andrew and Anna Jokola Pyhtila, who preceded him in death. On Oct. 18, 1985, in Lima, he married Donna M. Neer, who survives.

Mr. Pyhtila was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He retired from General Dynamics (Tank Plant), Lima, after 30 years, and had worked for Chrysler in Michigan. He was a member of Church of Christ, Lima. He was an avid golfer. He had been a member of Hawthorne Country Club, Lima. When he was younger, he played semipro hockey.

Survivors also include a stepdaughter, Alice (Mel) Shields, of Bellefontaine; four grandchildren, Mark (Sara) Shields, of Sidney, David (Misty) Shields, of Jackson Center, and Diane (Dave) Shields and Sherri (Perry) Hodies, both of Bellefontaine; and 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

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

Services will begin at 5 p.m. today at Kauffman-Eichholtz Funeral Home, West Liberty, with military rites by the Logan County Veterans Honor Guard. The Rev. Jonathon Bull will officiate.

Friends may call one hour prior to services today at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 25 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633.

Condolences may be expressed at www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.