Melvin E. 'Mel' Hoerig, 88, of Tiffin, died Wednesday evening, May 27, 2009, at St. Francis Home, Tiffin.

June 16, 1920, he was born in Cleveland to Carl and Ruth (Bish) Hoerig. July 22, 1940, he married Viola Baugher and they later divorced. December 27, 1979, he married Thelma M. Sager in Las Vegas, NV.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma, a son, Mark (Peg) Hoerig, two daughters, Phyllis M. Adelsperger, Patricia J. (Hugh) Rathburn, all of Tiffin, two brothers, Herald Hoerig of Sandusky, Jim (Marilyn) Hoerig of MI, 6 grandchildren, Tami, Brad, Laura, Steve, Doug and Matthew, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death along with his parents is a daughter,'Prudy' A. Rodgers and three brothers, Charles 'Chuck', William 'Pete' and Jerry Hoerig.

Mel was a 1938 graduate of Columbian High School and organized the Tornado Booster Club, serving as president for two terms. He worked for 15 years at National Machinery before owning Mel's Shell Gas Station, retiring in 1976. He owned and trained harness racing horses, officiated high school football and basketball games and tournaments for 22 years. He lived in Florida for many years after retirement and was a University of Michigan fan.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM, Monday, June 1, 2009, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Brodbeck officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family 4-7 PM, Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH, 44883, 419-447-2424.

Memorial contributions can be made to Community Hospice Care or St. Francis Home.

Letters of condolence may be sent and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com