Melvin Karl Strughold, 84, of Skandia, entered eternal life Monday morning, June 12, 2006, at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, where he had resided since December 2005.

Mel was born April 24, 1922 in St. Louis, Missouri, a son of Charles H. and Mary Ellen (Mayer) Strughold, and was raised in St. Louis.  He entered the US Navy in 1942, serving for three years, and was honorably discharged in 1945.  In 1950, he enlisted in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1969.  Mel’s total service to his country spanned over twenty-three years and duty assignments ranged from stations in California, Maine, Puerto Rico, to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base.  He was a veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era.  On November 18, 1950 he married Dorothy C. Burke at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois and together the couple shared the life of a career military man, establishing various households and raising their children in a variety of locations.  It was during his military career, that he finished requirements for this GED and later attended college, receiving two associate decrees; one in the arts and the other in science. While stationed in Puerto Rico, Mel became somewhat of a television and radio personality, hosting many of his own programs.  His mellow voice made him the perfect announcer and his sense of humor added interest to the programs.  Locally, while serving at K.I. Sawyer, Mel was employed with WDMJ Radio as an announcer and disc jockey, treating his listening audience to his favorite, Big Band Music.  Mel also worked for a time as manager of the Montgomery Ward warehouse.  Following retirement from the military, Mel was employed with Civil Service at K. I. Sawyer, teaching classes and doing testing for servicemen attaining rank.  He finally retired in 1984.

Mel was very devoted to his family and in his leisure enjoyed leathercraft, gardening, golfing, duck hunting, and fishing.  He always enjoyed anything to do with radio and television, was a great left-handed bowler, a licensed pilot, and a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan.  He also enjoyed roller-skating with wife, Dorothy, the couple having initially met at the roller rink in St. Louis.

A loving husband, father, and grandparent, Mel is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy; three daughters, Karla (Thomas) Rushford of Harvey, Karen Strughold of East Tawas, and Kathleen Scheiding of Traverse City; a son, Gregory Strughold of Atlanta, GA; a daughter-in-law, Marsha Strughold of Houston, TX; his grandchildren, Mark (Kimberly) Rushford and Jessica (Dan) Sharland; and great-grandchildren, Kylie Rushford, Cecilia, Nora, Spencer, and Reece Sharland.  In addition to his parents, Mel was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Strughold; an infant brother; and a brother, Charles Strughold.

Friends may call at the chapel of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans on Thursday, June 15, beginning at 12:00 noon.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm Thursday afternoon,in the chapel, with Chaplain Ardy Johnson officiating.  Burial with military honors will be held at the Northland Chapel Gardens.  Pallbearers will be Gregory Strughold, Mark and Tom Rushford, Tom and Dan Sharland, and Amy Byrd.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans Resident Activity Fund, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.