Melvin Duke A Havel

Melvin “Duke” A. Havel, 88 of Millstadt, Illinois passed away at 10:15 p.m. on August 28, 2012 at his residence in Millstadt, Illinois surrounded by his loving family. Melvin fought a courageous 22 – month battle with lung cancer. Melvin, son of Joseph and Emma ,nee Reznicek, Havel, was born on April 17, 1924 in Belleville, Illinois. He married Shirley Jean Corrie on October 14, 1950. He worked for Monsanto Chemical Company in Sauget, Illinois as an Instrument Mechanic and foreman until his retirement at age 57 in 1981. After his retirement, he worked another decade for Ethel Corporation in Sauget, Illinois as a Safety Inspector. He was a Untied States Navy Veteran serving in WW II. He was a Signal Hill Volunteer Fireman. He attended Blessed Sacrament School and Parish. He attended Belleville Township High School and Ranken Technical School. He could make or repair anything and enjoyed repairing things for people, friends, neighbors and family. He was always willing to lend a hand. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and will be remembered for the love and special times he shared with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Emma (Reznicek) Havel; three sisters, Elizabeth Sweet, Martha Kroupa and Helen Slade; Five brothers, August, Lawrence, Joseph, James and Norman “Ted” Havel.

Surviving are his loving wife, Shirley Jean , nee Corrie, Havel; three daughters, Joan (Tom) Wilkens, Linda (Bob) Benson and Joyce (William “Skeet”) Williams and one son, John Havel; two grandson, Stephen (Kelly) Wilkens and Jeffrey (Samantha Goodwin) Wilkens; one granddaughter, Monica Benson; four step – grandchildren Lisa (Michael) Wilkens Sundling, Tom W. Wilkens, Michael (Jodie) Williams and Cari (Mark) Williams Hess; three great grandchildren, Alex Sundling and Layne and Maren Wilkens. Also, survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorials in Melvin’s honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Lung Association. Online condolences may be expressed online at www.valhallagaredensandfuneralhome.com

Visitation: friends may call on Thursday, August 30, 3012 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, evening on August 30, 2012 at 6:00 pm with Father Matthew J. Elie officiating.

Interment will be held on Friday, August 31, 2012 at 9:30 am at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.

Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois