Melvin Ehrstein

Melvin Ehrstein
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Melvin G. “Mel” Ehrstein, 76, of Belleville, IL, born June 18, 1940, in Belleville, IL, died Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at his residence.

Mr. Ehrstein spent his life as a farmer. He was a member of the Heartland Mutual Insurance Company board of directors. He was a great source of family geneology. Mel was a proud U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Society of the Third Infantry and the Division of the Seventh Cavalry Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Linda, nee Roos, Ehrstein; a sister, Marjorie (Anthony J. “Andy”) Hankammer; a brother, Charles Ehrstein; and a sister-in-law, Helen Ehrstein.

Surviving are one brother, Robert Ehrstein of Belleville, IL;
nieces and nephews, David (Sandy) Hankammer of Millstadt, IL,
Anthony “Tony” Hankammer of Belleville, IL,
Diane Hankammer of Waterloo, IL,
Richard (Kim) Hankammer of Belleville, IL,
Jean (Jan) Waniel of Calvert City, KY,
Karen Niederbrach of Red Bud, IL,
and Paul Hankammer (Lori Martin) of Belleville, IL;
numerous great-nieces and great-nephews;
and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Thank you to the staff and caregivers at Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois in Swansea.

Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice, to the St. Clair County Farm Bureau Foundation, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. Visitation will also be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at the funeral home.

Funeral: Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Father Elmar Mauer, OMI, officiating.

Burial with military honors will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

Condolences Left For Melvin Ehrstein

Sorry for your loss,Prayers for your family ,He is at peace now with Jesus and has gained his wings Amen

Sandra Monroe, Waterloo, IL, 62298


The Cange family sends its deepest sympathy to the Ehrstein and Hankammer families on the loss of their dear brother and uncle. We have many happy memories of Melvin and his wonderful smile. We always looked forward to seeing him on our trips back to IL. He will be missed.

Joan Cange, Lafayette, LA, 70508


My siblings and I, and our families, offer our sincere condolences. Ourfather, Richard Langhorst, and Melvin were cousins. We have many fond memories of Melvin, his quick smile and his willingness to always entertain us with a family story. He will definitely be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Sharon (Langhorst) Erhart , Union, Missouri, 63084


As kids, our father, George Langhorst who’s mother, Margaret was an Ehrstein, took us to their family farm in Belleville on many occasions.

Our farm visits were the highlight of our childhood. Spending time with Aunt Linda, Uncle, Uncle Andy, Bobby and Melvin was awe inspiring. We loved just listening to their stories and going for tractor and combine rides. The smell of the corn drying, walking the fields, playing in the sheds and barns. It was heaven.

While it was probably work to Melvin he had is piece of heaven on earth and now I hope and pray that he now has eternal peace in heaven.

Paul Langhorst

Paul J Langhorst, St. Louis, MO, 63131


From the Mark Stunkel family our deepest condolences we all thought Melvin was family to us He always had a smile and a kind word. He will be missed

Marcus harris , Millstadt , , 62260


My sympathy to Bob and Family. We valued Mel’s friendship and looked forward to seeing him and you in the fields around Flying Dutchman.

Carol Bell

Carol Bell, Belleville, IL, 62223


We lost a great friend and a very good person. Words can never tell our heart felt love for Mel. The world needs more people like Mel, kindness and gentle ways were without end. We will always remember things we shared with Mel plus many other things. I am happy I was able to see Mel the last few months and see his courage as he ran the good race and fought the good fight, not only did he do this in his final days but Mel did this all the years we knew him.
Sorry For your loss Bobby, David, Tony and so many others.

Paul Robinson, Swansea, , Illinois, 62226


I am deeply saddened to learn of Mel’s passing. Mel and I were friends over 50 years ago while assigned with the 7th Armored Cavalry in Schweinfurt, Germany. He was a ray of light that I valued in those days for his intellect — he for his practical farming experience, and for understanding and valuing my background in forestry and conservation. These discussions on just about every subject of topical importance continued after we left the service to resume our civilian life.
We have lost a truly good person. I will miss his phone calls and on-line exchanges immensely. More than anything, he was a great guy.

Richard Faltonson, Ames, Iowa, 50010

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