Melvin Bretz, 83, passed away at 2:13 p.m., Saturday, April 23, 2011, at Briar Hill Health Campus, North
Baltimore.
He was born on July 17, 1927, in North Baltimore, to the late Charles and Florence (Johnson) Bretz. He
married Margaret Harmon on January 27, 1946, and she preceded him in death on July 4, 2009.
Melvin is survived by two daughters and three sons: Mary (Scott) Peterson of North Baltimore, Chuck
(Renee) Bretz of Putnam Valley, NY, Sherry Bretz of Findlay, Mark (Joni) Bretz and Jeff (Barb) Bretz,
both of North Baltimore. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one
great-great-grandson; a brother, Russell (Carolyn) Bretz and a sister, Luella (Bob) Wickard, both of
North Baltimore.
He was preceded in death by 10 siblings: Carl, Chuck, Bob, Dick, Ralph, Sam, Kenny, Doug, Billy Bretz and
Elsie Thompson.
Melvin was retired from Hancock Wood Electric Company.
He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, having served our country during World War II in the Pacific Theater and was
involved in the Atomic Bomb testing on Bikini Island.
He was a life member of the North Baltimore American Legion Post 539, where he was past commander. He was
also a member of the Wood County Democratic Party Central Committee, Millstream Singers, North Baltimore
Repertoire Theater, past president of the North Baltimore Park Board, helped with the North Baltimore
Food Assistance Program for many years, was the chief cook for the North Baltimore July 4th fireworks
celebration and coached Little League, Babe Ruth and Pony League baseball in North Baltimore during the
1960s and 1970s.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 28, 2011, at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North
Baltimore, with Reverends Paul Eichar and Rick Adams officiating. Burial will be in New Maplewood
Cemetery, North Baltimore, where full military rites will be conducted by the North Baltimore American
Legion Post 539. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to
4
and 6 to 8 p.m. at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME.
Memorial contributions may be made Alzheimer’s Association of NW Ohio and/or St. Jude’s Children’s
research and/or Susan G. Koman Foundation, in his memory.
Online condolences may be made at www.coldrencrates.com.
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