Melvin Greenwaldt US Army CWO3-Ret. Of Kerrville, 86, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio.
He was born in Otter Tail County, MN in April 1934 to Elmer and Rachel Greenwaldt. As a young man, Mel was always diligent to send money home to help provide for the well-being of his younger siblings. Mel was baptized on December 31, 1955 at First English Lutheran Church in Staples, Minnesota - He and June were married there the next day.
Military service took Mel to Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, before retiring in El Paso. Some of the medals he earned include: Bronze Star Medal w/1st OLC, Army Commendation Medal (2nd & 3rd OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Ribbon, UN Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, 4 O/S Bars, Meritorious Service Medal. Mel obtained a BS in Business Administration while in the Army and opened two small businesses with his family upon retirement.
He loved reading, strawberry shakes, and was a huge fan of Clint Eastwood and Westerns. Mel would often stay up late with other VA residents watching movies and relaxing with his cup of coffee.
Mel's family is especially grateful to the truly remarkable staff at Kerrville VA Medical Center for their excellent care, dedication, and service to him and fellow veterans. The Kerrville community, the DAV, and other veteran support organizations continue to care for our vets throughout the entire year. Mel's family is grateful for such a caring community. Cara, Kathleen, Lendon, Robert, Venesha, Rebecca, and Lari were some of his special nurses and caregivers from the civilian-side. He had many Angels in human form during his journey and was so very blessed.
Mel's children and their families, Milo & Jewel Greenwaldt (Tiffany), Gene & Anita Stoudt (Matthew & Brittany Ferrell-Briley, Bella), (Steven & Allison Ferrell-Zachary,Tucker), Diane Greenwaldt & Anise Schmidt (Lantz), Paul & Shari Greenwaldt (Holly Langhorst, Angel & Amanda Salas-Matthias).
He is survived by his two brothers Richard and Peter Greenwaldt; his three sisters Verona Aleshire, Ardith Doroff, and Dorothy Schmidt along with many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Rachel Greenwaldt; his ex-wife, June (Sampson) McElroy; three brothers Lester, Gordon, and Herman Greenwaldt; one sister, Frances Potter; brothers-in-law, Mel Aleshire, Gary Schmidt, LeRoy Doroff, and Warren Potter; sisters-in-law Lucille and Delores Greenwaldt.
Mel will be forever missed by his large family and friends. His family is grateful to Wright Funeral Parlor, Kerrville for their compassionate professionalism throughout this period of time. Interment of ashes by his family will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas, later this month.
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