St. George, UT- Melvin Forest Kreitzer passed away peacefully on September 12, 2012 of causes incident to age. He was born October 16, 1922 in Richmond, Indiana to Ohmer Walter Kreitzer and Charlotte Grace Wise Kreitzer. He had two older sisters, Elizabeth and Ina Mae. Melvin spent his growing-up years in Richmond and graduated from the local high school. With his sweetheart, Faeanna Ruth Whitenack, he eloped to Louisville, Kentucky on July 7, 1941. In 1953 their marriage was solemnized in the St. George, Utah LDS Temple.

During World War II, Melvin served in the U.S. Army for three years, primarily as a radio technician stationed in Florida, then in Burma (known today as Myanmar). Upon his return he went to work with his father as an auto mechanic. For many years they operated Kreitzer & Kreitzer Auto Garage, specializing in Nash vehicles. Later, Melvin worked at the National Automotive Tool Company as a machinist.

Although a long-time member of the Church of the Brethren, in 1952 Melvin and Ann were introduced to and baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Kreitzers were one of a few families instrumental in establishing the church in the Eastern-Central region of Indiana. Melvin served as Branch President, then the first Bishop of the Richmond Ward. They devoted their lives to that cause, usually holding several concurrent callings. They drove hundreds of thousands of miles so that they and their children could participate in Stake activities and meetings. Melvin had a beautiful singing voice; he and Ann frequently sang duets of sacred songs in church services. "My Testimony" was their favorite. They traditionally sang "May You Always" for grandchildrens wedding receptions.

Melvin was a fun Daddy who enjoyed his children and grandchildren. He could and would imitate any animal sound on any occasion, to the total delight of the little kids and the utter humiliation of the teenagers.

In 1969, because of health concerns, the Kreitzers moved their family to St. George, Utah, where he was employed by Bradshaw Ford-Mercury. He could repair anything mechanical and enjoyed occasional wood-working. They were active members of the St. George 7 ^th ward and loved and appreciated their friends and neighbors there. From his youth until his final days Melvin always had a dog who received royal treatment.

In their retirement years, the Kreitzers served an LDS mission to the Washington, D.C. area where Melvin managed the fleet of mission automobiles. They worked primarily with the Asian members.

Melvin and Ann had seven children who survive them. They include Ruth Diane (Mansfield) Jennings, Melanie Ann (Eugene) Scott, Melvin Andrew (Gloria) Kreitzer, Brian Moroni (Thora) Kreitzer, Matthew Eric (Shelle) Kreitzer, Kimberly Allyn (Kevin) Lang and Holly Christine. In addition, they have thirty-three grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, grandchildren Mary Ann Jennings, Laralyn Jennings Schramm, Caleb Kreitzer, great-grandson Derek Johnson, as well as his parents and sisters.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Friday, September 14, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m, and Saturday prior to services, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., both at Metcalf Mortuary. Interment will follow at the St. George City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.

The family wishes to thank the outstanding staff of the River Road Beehive Home for their thoughtful caring of Dad in his final months. Additionally, we thank Dr. Clark Staheli, Dr. Maryann McDonnell, their office staffs, and all medical personnel who served so patiently.