Melvin "Mel" George Doebler

Melvin (Mel) Doebler, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2024, at the age of 99. Mel is survived by and dearly missed by daughters Darcy (J.P.) Milliken and D’Ann Voss. He will be forever cherished and remembered by his grandchildren, Jack (Erin) Milliken, Maggie (Eric) Urda, Kelly Milliken and great-granddaughter Milli Marie Urda. Mel was born on August 28, 1925, to Charles and Myrtle (Millard) Doebler in Detroit, Michigan where he attended Denby High School. Mel left high school at age 17 to enlist in the military to fight in World War II alongside his two older brothers, Raymond and Charles Doebler. Mel served in the U.S. Army’s 38th Infantry Division, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and received many medals and awards. When Mel returned home from his military service, he continued his education at Meinzinger Art School (now the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit) where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Mel began his career as an Art Director at JL Hudson’s department stores. He went on to be an Advertising Manager at Jacobson’s stores. Mel’s love of art and design led to opening a printing and graphic design company called Copy Cats. After retirement, Mel stayed connected to the advertising world working part time at the Ann Arbor News. Mel and his future wife Betty Schmidt, met at an early age, growing up in the same neighborhood. Betty, always a good judge of character, sent Mel a Valentine in 3rd grade, which Mel’s mother saved and cherished. They attended the same schools throughout their childhood and were confirmed together at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Detroit. Mel and Betty began dating when Mel returned from World War II. They were married on February 6, 1948 at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Mel and Betty were married for 70 years, when the Lord called Betty home in 2018. Mel was a very talented artist who enjoyed drawing and painting throughout his life. In his later years, he produced paintings of Lighthouses, Great Lakes Ships and Botanicals that he often gifted to family and friends. Mel, along with his wife Betty, were loving and devoted grandparents. They were in the stands at many sporting events, dance recitals, graduations and honors assemblies. In later years, when their grandkids moved to other locations, Mel and Betty continued to keep in touch with daily phone calls and video chats. One of Mel’s proudest moments was serving as ring bearer at his grandson Jack’s wedding in July 2023. Mel was honored to have a special grandfather dance with granddaughter Maggie in her August 2022 wedding. In June of 2015, Mel had the honor and privilege of participating in the Mid Michigan Honor Flight program for veterans. Mel traveled to Washington DC to visit the World War II Memorials with his flight companions Eric and Gary Dunlap. It was truly a highlight of his later years. Eric and Gary became dear friends of Mel’s and they visited together often. In his free time Mel enjoyed playing softball, golf, bowling, playing euchre and cheering for all of the Detroit sports teams. Mel and Betty also enjoyed baking many delicious desserts together and made sure that each grandchild knew how to make the perfect apple pie. A celebration of Mel’s life will take place on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1003 S Maple Road, Traverse City, MI 49684. There will be an hour of visitation prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m.. Mel’s final resting place will be next to his beloved wife, Betty, at Oakwood Cemetery, 1720 Hannah Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686.. Please consider memorial donations in Mel’s honor to either Trinity Lutheran Church (http://tctrinity.org/give) or the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight (http://www.midmichiganhonorflight.org/donate) Visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with the family on Mel’s tribute page. The family is being served and cared for by Reynolds-Johnkoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Melvin "Mel" George Doebler

August 28, 1925 - October 14, 2024