Melvin E. Karstens, 91, of Mendota died June 16, 2017 in Heritage Health, Mendota.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday in the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Janet Lepp officiating. Burial will take place in Lutheran Cemetery, Mendota with Military Rites by VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday in the funeral home.

Melvin was born August 14, 1925 in Hinsdale. He married Grace Glasgow June 29, 1947 in St. Peter Lutheran Church, Joliet.

He was employed by Farm Supply and later by Consolidated Freight as a truck driver before his retirement. He served with the U.S. Army in the Pacific theater during World War II. He was a member of Mendota VFW Post 4079 and St. John's Lutheran Church, Mendota.

He is survived by three sons Ronald (Donna) Karstens of LaMoille, Raymond (Linda) Karstens of Mendota and Gaylon Karstens of Schaumburg; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Frank Neitzel of Willow Springs and Augie Neitzel of Brookfield; two sisters, Ruth Tymich of California and Mary Pulkownik of So.Milwaukee, WI.

He was preceded by his wife on November 8, 2011, a daughter, Christine, one brother, Edwin and one sister, Ella.

Memorials may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church or World War II Honor Flight.