Melvin Harvey Wittke the beloved husband of Ardeth Wittke went to be with the Lord on Wednesday December 17, 2025, at the age of 80 years.  He leaves to cherish his memory two children; Rhonda (Lawson) Ring of Calgary, Matthew (Kim) Wittke of Sherwood Park; two step-children; Sharlyn Bender and Trevor Bender both of Medicine Hat; seven grandchildren; Brittany Murphy, Brookelynn (Cordel) Evans, Isabel (Brendon) Degner, Cambria Rattai, Emilee Wittke,  Felicity Bender and MacKenzee Wittke and five great grandchildren; Paxton, Kai, Summer, Macy and Kendrick.  One brother Lorence (Diane) Wittke, one sister-in-law Elsie Wittke; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Ida and Oscar Wittke and one brother Eugene Wittke.  
Mel was born on April 24, 1945, in Medicine Hat, Alberta to Oscar and Ida Wittke and was the youngest of three brothers.  Mel spent much of his adolescent years helping out in his father’s Blacksmith shop and later went to school to become a welder.  His first job was working for his brothers at Wittke Iron Works and later started his own business MW Welding Ltd. where he worked on pipelines and then held a long-term contract at CFB Suffield.  He also opened Brier Park Suspension Ltd. in the mid 70’s.  He was creative and talented and could construct everything from intricate metal artwork and furniture to repairing suspensions for heavy equipment.  He served for many years on the Alberta Apprenticeship Board and finished his working career as a welding instructor at the Medicine Hat College. Mel had a love for sports and was a natural athlete.  He loved baseball and hockey.  While attending college he played hockey for the Medicine Hat College Antelope and later in his years, Old-Timers and Church Hockey.  He was a true outdoorsman and would never miss a season of hunting or fishing.  The family has wonderful memories making homemade sausage, salami, pepperoni and feasting on his famous fish fry’s.
In 1986 Mel married Ardeth and they blended their families together.  He loved to sing in the church choir and host Bible Studies.  In 1993, Mel and Ardeth built a home in the country.  Mel used his talent and passion to construct numerous goose nests, metal fences and corrals for his beloved his cattle; he called them all by name!  He truly enjoyed country life and would often watch all types of wildlife in the field below their home.  As Mel’s health diminished, they moved back into town in 2022.  In 2024, Mel was transferred to the Riverview Care Center for the remainder of his days. He was surrounded by loved ones when he went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Mel will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.  The family would like to thank the staff at Riverview for their exceptional love and care.  

The Celebration of Mel’s life will be held at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Ken Roset officiating.

The service will be live streamed.  Those who wish to attend virtually, please use the following link, https://youtube.com/live/8BpPsgKzJjQ?feature=share , or click on the "access video button" below.  

Those who wish to remember Melvin with a donation, may do so to the (Gideon’s) ShareWord Global.