Melvin Hochthanner

Melvin O. Hochthanner

April 30, 1938 – February 25, 2026

Frankenmuth, MI

Melvin O. Hochthanner passed away peacefully with family by his side, at the age of 87, on February 25, 2026.  Mel was born on April 30, 1938 in Saginaw, the only child of the late Olif and Josephine (Siller) Hochthanner.  He was married to Nancy Meyer on October 5, 1963 at St Lorenz Lutheran Church, she survives him.

Mel began his career at Schaefer and Bierlein in Frankenmuth in 1956 working in the John Deere division.  In 1974, he moved to Bader Bros. as the manager when the Bader’s opened the store in Birch Run.  He retired from Bader Bros. in 2000 and then returned to Schaefer and Bierlein to work part-time for another 18 years until completely retiring in 2018.  He also was in the National Guard stationed in Grayling from 1959-1967.

Mel was a life-long member of St Lorenz Church, over the years he served in many ways including as a trustee, usher, building committee member and with the Willing Workers. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially time spent at their cottage.  He loved bowling and playing cards anytime he had the chance.  Mel fondly recalled trips made over the years around the U.S. and to Germany.  He also enjoyed volunteering with the many friends he made at; Zehnder’s Sugar Bush, Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, and especially the Gemutlichkeit and Dank Clubs as he was extremely proud of his German heritage.

Surviving besides his wife Nancy are their four children Sharon (Tyson) Schmidt of Vassar, Timothy Hochthanner of Kalamazoo, Gary (Carmel) Hochthanner and Heidi (Gregory) White both of Frankenmuth; eight grandchildren Adam (Courtney) Schmidt, Alexandra (Terrence) Miller, Samantha (Anthony) Reinig, Taryne (Jesse) Young, Takoty Hochthanner, Otto and Vivien Hochthanner and Dylan White; and eight great-grandchildren Henry and Sloan Schmidt, Peyton, Kinsley and Ace Miller, Tate Reinig, Vanessa and Jesse Young. Also his extended Hochthanner familie in Germany who he had developed a close bond with over the last 45 years.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the AdvisaCare and Winter Village staff for the kindness and compassionate care shown to Mel and Nancy during their time at Winter Village and also to the staff of Davita in Bridgeport.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:15 a.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. and at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola St. Frankenmuth, MI. Rev. Joel Kaiser will officiate with burial to take place between services. Mel’s family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Vicar Endowment, St. Lorenz Willing Workers or St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.