Funeral services for Melvin W. Wittmer, 90, of Albert Lea will be at 11  a.m. Monday at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. The Rev. Matt Griggs will officiate. Interment will be at Bear Lake Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by local servicemen’s organizations. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Melvin died Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

Melvin William Wittmer was born Aug. 31, 1926, on the home farm near Conger to Fred and Anna (Schwemmler) Wittmer. He grew up and attended school in the Conger area. He farmed until entering the Army in February 1954 during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in January 1956 as a specialist third class.

Melvin met his first wife, Therese Gottselig, while he was in the service in Germany. They were married Feb. 17, 1957. Melvin adopted Therese’s son, Ottmar, and the couple had another son, Eugene. They were also foster parents to 12 children. Therese passed away in 1981.

On May 12, 1985, Melvin married Jeanette Carlson; she passed away in 1993.

On July 29, 1995, Melvin was united in marriage to Harriet (Schewe) Galbraith.

Melvin worked for 22 years as a custodian with Alden-Conger Schools and was a greeter at Walmart for nine years. Melvin was a member of Concordia Bear Lake Church, Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, Luther League, Eagles, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Elks and Conger Senior Citizens. He was a bell ringer at church and enjoyed playing 500 with Conger Seniors Card Club.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Harriet; son, Ottmar, of Duluth; grandchildren Heather, Johnathon, Lucas, Melinda and Jennifer (Kelly Griffin) Wittmer; great-grandchildren Kelly and Hailey of Emmetsburg, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Marlys Wittmer; granddaughter, Tradasha Wittmer, of Malaysia; stepchildren Lorraine (Ron Radke) Schewe of Albert Lea, Linda (Lanny) Bergeson of Longmont, Colorado, Lanette (Larry) Olson of Albert Lea, Howard (Julie) Schewe of Albert Lea, Rodney (Vicky) Schewe of Albert Lea, Lyndon (Cindy) Schewe of Owatonna; and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ruby and Frieda; son, Eugene; two wives, Therese and Jeanette; and stepson, Kevin Schewe.