Melvin "Whitey" Kreinbrink

NEW CLEVELAND – Melvin "Whitey" Kreinbrink, 84, of New Cleveland, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, one day short of his 85th birthday at 4:56 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at his residence.  He was born December 1, 1938, in New Cleveland to the late Harry and Lena (Bellman) Kreinbrink.  On August 5, 1961, he married Janet Schumaker, who survives in New Cleveland.

Other survivors include four children: Trina (Phil) Boehnlein of Findlay, Beth (Jeff) Steffan of New Cleveland, Ned (Lisa) Kreinbrink of Ottawa and Bruce (Paula) Kreinbrink of Beavercreek; eleven grandchildren: Zach (Julie) Boehnlein, Sam (Brittany) Boehnlein, Andy (Chris Allemang) Boehnlein, Garrett (Theresa) Steffan, Chad (Brittany) Steffan, Toni Steffan, Ben (Karli) Kreinbrink, Jessica (Drew) Kreinbrink-Ellerbrock, Amanda Kreinbrink,  Spencer Kreinbrink and Gabi Kreinbrink; thirteen great-grandchildren: Jayden, Luke, Alison and Grace Boehnlein, Rebecca, Vanessa, Violet, Logan and James Steffan, Bentley and Lillian Steffan, and Beckham and Blake Kreinbrink; a sister, Delores  Kuhlman of Ottawa; and a sister-in-law, Joan Kreinbrink of Ottawa.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Angela (Vernon) Wolke; a brother, Norbert Kreinbrink; and a brother-in-law, John Kuhlman.

Mel was a lifelong grain and livestock farmer. Both the Kreinbrink and Bellman family farms have been in the family for 150 years. He was a US Army National Guard veteran and served on the Ottawa Township Building Zone Board.  Mel was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, New Cleveland, where he was an usher and member of the Holy Aid Men's Group. He loved sports, played softball, was on a men's and co-ed bowling team, and coached junior high basketball (4 time PCL champion), little league baseball, and pony league.  He followed the Miller City Wildcats, OSU Buckeyes, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions.  Mel loved to watch his grandkids' games and performances, and keeping up-to-date by reading the newspaper from cover to cover, especially the Sporting  News.  Mel loved to travel, taking many trips to Wright State to watch Bruce play baseball. He also took annual trips to Florida and many trips to Coldwater Lake and Merry Lake with family. Mel enjoyed cards, solo, poker, euchre, sudoku puzzles, and was proud of his outdoor Christmas light displays.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kesireddy, Bryan Hospital, Dr. Gerschutz, Blanchard Valley, Putnam County Home Health and Hospice, Angie Brinkman, PT Services and Dr. Leopold for their great care of Dad which gave us 10+ additional years with him.

Funeral Mass will begin 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, New Cleveland with Father Scott Perry and Monsignor Mike Hohenbrink officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by the Ottawa American, VFW, AMVETS and DAV. Visitation will be held from 4 – 8 p.m., Monday, December 4, 2023 at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa and 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Miller City School Athletic Department, Putnam County Hospice or Holy Family Catholic Church Window Project.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

Miller City School Athletic Department
Miller City OH

Putnam County Hospice
575 OG Road Suite 3, PO Box 312, Ottawa OH 45875

Holy Family Catholic Church Window Project
New Cleveland OH