Melvin Lee Bohnstengel

Visitation for Melvin Lee Bohnstengel, 67, Traer, will be on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, from 6-8 p.m. at Overton Funerla Home in Traer. Military Rites will be conducted by the Traer American Legion following the visitation at 8:00 PM.

Melvin Lee Bohnstengel was born on April 15, 1950, to Leo and Dorothy (Reiter) Bohnstengel. He and his siblings were raised by his paternal grandparents, Louis and Hilda Bohnstengel, after his parents were killed in a car accident in 1961.

Melvin graduated from North Tama High School in 1968. He joined the U.S. Army on January 16, 1969, and was honorably discharged on October 18, 1971. He served one year in Vietnam.

After his discharge, Melvin attended Hawkeye Community College. He worked for John Deere, Traer Mfg., P.C.I., and Growman Farm Service. He was also a member of the Kubik-Finch Post 142 of American Legion.

On July 24, 2009, Melvin married Barbara Ann Henson. She passed away on January 24, 2012. Melvin died at the age of 67 on Thursday, January 4, 2018, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; maternal and paternal grandparents; a brother-in-law, Bob Caloud; and a niece, Sara Bohnstengel. Melvin is survived by six siblings, David (Shawna) Bohnstengel of Des Moines, Marvin (Carolyn) Bohnstengel of Clutier, Sandra (Mike) Ortman of Waterloo, Diane Caloud of Clutier, Dennis (Anita) Bohnstengel of Rollingstone, MN, and Curt (Patty) Bohnstengel of La Porte City; two step-sons, Bobbie and Josh; a step-daughter, Angel; four step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Overton Funeral Home, Traer, is assisting the family with arrangements