Melvin G. "Spitzee" Christel, 97, formerly of Kiel, passed away Saturday morning, July 27, 2013 at Homestead Care Center, New Holstein where he resided the past 6 years. He was born April 13, 1916 in School Hill, son of the late Edmund & Ida (Rabe) Christel. He attended Kiel schools. "Spitzee" was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country during WWII as a cook. On August 12, 1950 he married Marion "Petie" Mayer at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Kiel. He worked for Laun Furniture for many years until his retirement. "Spitzee's lifelong passion was music. With his father purchasing his first trumpet for him at the age of 10, he was invited to join the Kiel Municipal Band. He later led his own 7 piece orchestra named the "The Spitzee Christel Orchestra" and played with many other well known musicians and bands. Despite his failing eyesight it never slowed his passion for music and life. He was a member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Kiel and the American Legion, Post #484 of Plymouth. He also was a member of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind. Survivors include his wife of almost 63 years, Marion "Petie" Christel of Kiel, four children; Michael (Mary) Christel, New Holstein, Rick (Jean) Christel, Sheboygan, Duane Christel, Plymouth, Darlene Christel, Plymouth, six grandchildren: Jennifer (Dale), Angel, Dallas, Jenny (Jy), Brian and Trevin. He is further survived by 10 great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters. The funeral Mass for Melvin will be celebrated at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 413 Fremont St. Kiel with Rev. Loren Nys S.D.S. and Deacon Pat Knier Officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 4:00 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Kiel Municipal Band. "Spitzee's" family would like to extend their thanks to Homestead Care Center for the wonderful care he received. "He shall be forever young"
Melvin G. "Spitzee" Christel, 97, formerly of Kiel, passed away Saturday morning, July 27, 2013 at Homestead Care Center, New Holstein where he resided the past 6 years. He was born April 13, 1916 in School Hill, son of the late Edmund & Ida (Rabe) Christel. He attended Kiel schools. "Spitzee" was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country during WWII as a cook. On August 12, 1950 he married Marion "Petie" Mayer at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Kiel. He worked for Laun Furniture for many years until his retirement. "Spitzee's lifelong passion was music. With his father purchasing his first trumpet for him at the age of 10, he was invited to join the Kiel Municipal Band. He later led his own 7 piece orchestra named the "The Spitzee Christel Orchestra" and played with many other well known musicians and bands. Despite his failing eyesight it never slowed his passion for music and life. He was a member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Kiel and the American Legion, Post #484 of Plymouth. He also was a member of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind. Survivors include his wife of almost 63 years, Marion "Petie" Christel of Kiel, four children; Michael (Mary) Christel, New Holstein, Rick (Jean) Christel, Sheboygan, Duane Christel, Plymouth, Darlene Christel, Plymouth, six grandchildren: Jennifer (Dale), Angel, Dallas, Jenny (Jy), Brian and Trevin. He is further survived by 10 great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters. The funeral Mass for Melvin will be celebrated at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 413 Fremont St. Kiel with Rev. Loren Nys S.D.S. and Deacon Pat Knier Officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 4:00 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Kiel Municipal Band. "Spitzee's" family would like to extend their thanks to Homestead Care Center for the wonderful care he received. "He shall be forever young"
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