Melvin A. Viertel

Melvin A. Viertel, 83, of Carmine, died Tuesday, May 20, 2014 of pancreatic cancer.Melvin was born in Carmine on Dec. 11, 1930, the son of Adolph and Ella (Meinholdt) Viertel. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine. He graduated from Round Top-Carmine High School, and went on to earn his Associates degree from Blinn College in Brenham where he was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and editor of the yearbook. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed at a Nike missile site in New Jersey

during the early days of the Nike missile program and was cleared for top secrecy. He attained the rank of corporal and

was the company clerk. After returning home to central Texas, he met Dorothy Marie Hejl. Although she was initially convinced that he was too old for her, he successfully overcame her reservations on Sept. 16, 1962 when they married.

They settled and raised their family in South Austin. Melvin worked as an electric supply salesman for many years

and retired from Westinghouse Electric Supply. After retirement, they returned to the farm in Carmine. He was an active

member of the American Legion Quade-Werchan Post 338 of Round Top, serving in the offices of Chaplain and djutant.

Melvin loved cars. Some of his happiest moments were spent as a Saturday afternoon shade tree mechanic. The annual Indianapolis 500 was the equivalent of Super Bowl Sunday to his family – delicious barbecue, the camaraderie of family and friends, and always, always cheering on whichever drivers could give the Unsers a run for their money.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Hejl Viertel; daughter, Ann-Marie Viertel; son, David Viertel and wife, Julie Kahl Viertel;

granddaughter, Ella Marie Viertel; his devoted border collie, Ringo; and numerous caring extended family members and friends. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at St. David’s Medical Center South Austin, Monument Hill Skilled Nursing Facility in La Grange, and to Hospice Brazos Valley – we would not have made it through this difficult time without your support. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home. Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Koenig & Strickland Funeral

Home at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014. A graveside service will follow at Carmine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice Brazos Valley, 1048 N. Jefferson, La Grange, Texas 78945  www.hospicebrazosvalley. org). Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral  Home in La Grange is in charge of arrangements.