Melvin Ernest Hartz

Melvin Ernest Hartz of Port Hope, age 87, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Harbor Beach. He was born December 8, 1938, in Port Hope, the son of the late Ernest and Emma (Pleiness) Hartz. Melvin grew up on the family farm and started working early, building many of the silos in the Port Hope area. He went on to work at Fairhaven Industrial Wood Products and then at Even Heat Kiln in shipping & receiving for many years until retirement.

On December 26, 1958, he was united in marriage with Beverly Jean Koehn at the Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach. Their marriage was blessed with over sixty-one years, three beautiful daughters, and many cherished memories. Sadly, Beverly passed away on February 7, 2020. Melvin and Beverly enjoyed taking trips up north to Mio, and you could always find him cutting the grass in his free time. A man of faith, he and Beverly were charter members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sand Point and later members of St. John Lutheran Church in Port Hope. Melvin was always willing to help anyone and liked to stay busy. After inheriting a piece of farmland from his father, he spent several years “hobby farming,” something he truly enjoyed. Above all else, Melvin loved being with his family and grandchildren.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memory, his children & their spouses, Bethany & Larry Armstead, Sr., Corinne & Rodney Damm, and Michelle & Donald Perdue, Sr.; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Donna (Allison) Wolschlager, Gerald (Marsha) Hartz, and Clifford Hartz. In addition to his parents and wife, Melvin was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel (Janet) Hartz.

In keeping with Melvin’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to St. John Lutheran Church in Port Hope or Lakeview Extended Care in Harbor Beach.