October 9, 2016 marked the passing of one of the few remaining veterans of WWII. Melvin Joseph Gertz, 99, passed away at his home in Steele, ND. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, October 15th at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Steele, with Rev. Jake DeBoer officiating. Burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Steele. Visitation will be held at Eastgate Steele Memorial Chapel in Steele from 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 14, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Melvin was born on June 19, 1917, in Driscoll, ND, the son of Joseph and Anna (Bassen) Gertz. He was raised and attended school in the Driscoll area. A veteran of WWII, he took part in the D-Day Invasion and was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service. A long-time resident of Steele, Mel was the rural mail carrier for 37 years, City Auditor for 22 years and City Assessor, finally retiring at age 90. He is survived by his wife, Florence (Hughes); daughter, Roxane (Craig) Siggard, West Jordan, UT; two sons, David (Patty) Gertz, Waterville, MN, and Roger (Annette) Gertz, Smithfield, UT; nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. The oldest of his siblings, he was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Lawrence, Don, Marvin, Dallas and Wesley; and two sisters, Verna and Lavirn. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Woodlawn Cemetery or a charity of the donor’s choice.