Melvin T. Zehr

LOWVILLE – Melvin T. Zehr, 90, of Church Street graduated to Heaven on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at home under the care of his loving family and Lewis County Hospice.

Family and friends are welcome to join Mel’s family for fellowship and Maple Ice Cream Sundaes at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026 at New Day Community Church, 5573 Water Street, Lowville, followed by a Celebration of Life promptly at 7:00 p.m. 

Melvin was born on August 29, 1935 in Lowville, NY.  He was married in 1959 to the love of his life, Norma Virkler who he loved to call his “child bride”.  He leaves behind his beloved wife and four wonderful children, Delite (Curt) Christman, Lowville, Dawn (Will) Roggie, Martinsburg, Melvin II (Carrie) Zehr, Lowville, Matthew (Leticia) Zehr, Constableville, plus 22 grandchildren and 50 great grandchildren, a sister, Jane (Mel) Birky (Colorado), and a sisters-in-law, Emma Zehr  (Indiana), Nin Grau (Croghan), Jeanie Herzig (Castorland), Mae Virkler (Croghan), brothers-in-law, Nat (Sheila) Virkler, Lowville,  Kenny (Marlene) Virkler, and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by parents, Aaron and Pearl Zehr, his parents-in-law, Ted and Amelia Belle Virkler, his beloved grandson and namesake, Melvin T. Zehr III, his brothers, Hilton (Maryhelen) Zehr and Calvin Zehr, sisters Mary (Addison) Lehman and Vivian (Louis) Stoffel, In-laws, Donnie (Rita) Petzoldt, Ray Grau, Bradley Herzig, Ted Virkler, nieces Pam Herzig, Jean Zehr, Emily Virkler and nephews Steve Zehr and Robert Lehman. 

Mel served his country by working for 2 years in Syracuse, NY at the House of the Good Shepherd Hospital. 

He bought the family dairy farm (Zereyn Farm) in 1960.  In the early 60s he was honored to receive the Young Farmer of the Year Award.   He was also a maple syrup producer and loved all things maple!!  In 1984 he bought Happy Hollow Campground. 

Mel was a fun loving, faithful husband, father and friend, but mostly a faithful follower of Jesus.  He served whenever he could, using his gift of helps wherever he went.  He was a loving man of simplicity and wisdom. 

Mel was a charter member of the Adirondack Mennonite Camping Association (Beaver Camp), a founding member of Rhema Fellowship, Lowville, NY, and an active member for many years of Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International serving in various capacities.

Some of his sayings:

      You’ll do what you want to do.

      We’re all just a heartbeat away from eternity.

      I’m too blessed to be stressed

      We’re not guaranteed the next heartbeat.

      A merry heart does good like a medicine.

      Live one day at a time.

      Stay young!

      I’m blessed and highly favored.
 

Mel loved music and always had a song on his lips ready to sing whenever the opportunity arose.

Well done good and faithful servant.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.