Melvin Thomas Tahtinen

October 13, 1944 - May 20, 2016

MELVIN T. Tahtinen WILLIAMSBURG – Melvin “Mel” Thomas Tahtinen, age 71, passed away Friday, May 20, 2016 at his home in the loving care of his family after a 17 month battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Mel was born October 13, 1944 to Alfred and Effie (Hietala) Tahtinen in Ontonagon, MI. Mel enlisted in the United States Navy in 1962 and served aboard the USS Vance in the Vietnam War. Mel worked for Wolverine Tractor and Equipment Company for 38 years prior to his retirement in 2004. Mel enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also dedicated 26 years to the church’s AWANA program, both in Grand Rapids and Traverse City, MI. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Sharon (Docter) Tahtinen; children: Mark (Teresa) Tahtinen of Missouri City, TX; Todd Tahtinen of Williamsburg, MI; Kathy Tahtinen of Traverse City, MI; and Juliana Bowers of Williamsburg, MI; Grandchildren: Brandy (Michael) Swearingen of Houston, TX; Teresa Gonzalez of Humble, TX; Jesi (Brandon Weatherholt) Tahtinen of Traverse City, MI; Dominic Farmer of Traverse City, MI; Brittany Tahtinen of Flushing, MI; Malachi Farmer of Traverse City, MI; Nathanael Bowers of Williamsburg, MI; Crystal Bowers of Williamsburg, MI; Dustin Tahtinen of Bellaire, MI; Autumn Tahtinen of Bellaire, MI; Nicholas Frye of Williamsburg, MI; and unborn baby Frye; Great-Grandchildren: Ruby Gonzalez and Benjamin Gonzalez. Also surviving are siblings: Donna (Don) Hall of New Castle, WA; Ron (Sandy) Tahtinen of Jenison, MI; Sally (Mike) Dillenbeck of Jackson, MI; Karen (Bill) Malick of Largo, FL; Audrey Head of Burlington, WI; and Augie (Vickie) Tahtinen of South Lyon, MI; sister-in-law, Audrey Tahtinen, whose husband, Gordy, has preceded his brother in death. Also preceding Mel in death are his parents and grandson Alexander Frye. A memorial service in Mel’s honor will take place on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at East Bay Calvary Church, where friends may greet the family beginning at 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service at 6:00 p.m., military honors will immediately follow the service at the church. Please direct memorial contributions to East Bay Calvary Church AWANA Equipment Fund, 2225 E Hammond Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, or Heartland Hospice of Traverse City, 4020 Copper View, Traverse City, MI 49684, or to the family. Please visit the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home website www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.