LECHTY, Melvin F. 1896-1973

LECHTY, NOVAK, WALLWEY, BOYLE, BETTAG

Posted By: slmeck (email)
Date: 11/11/2012 at 08:46:35

Fairfield Ledger (Ia.)
Saturday, March 10, 1973

Melvin LECHTY, Longtime Cafe Operator, Dies

Melvin F. LECHTY, 76, past state commander of Veterans of World War I and a former longtime Fairfield businessman, died Friday evening at the Jefferson County Hospital.

His death came at 6:19 p.m. shortly after his admittance. He had been in failing health the past 10 years.

During his 50 years as a resident of Fairfield he was well known in the business community, he served a number of Veterans organizations and was the first manager of the city's first Iowa State Liquor Store. The family home is at 804 E. Burlington.

Funeral services will be Monday at 9 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Karl Holtkamp officiating. Graveside services will be held Tuesday morning at the cemetery in Emerson, Neb.

Prayers for a Christian Wake will be conducted Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Raymond Funeral Home.

Melvin F. LECHTY was born May 29, 1896, in Iowa City, the son of Frank and Mary NOVAK LECHTY. He was reared and educated in Iowa City.

LECHTY was engaged in the grocery business in Iowa City and later served as district manager for Kroger Stores in Detroit. He moved back to Iowa City where he owned his own store until 1923 when he moved to Fairfield.

His marriage to Carolyn WALLWEY took place June 29, 1926, at Davenport. She survives.

LECHTY operated Mel's Cafe and the Quality Cafe for a number of years. Following his retirement from cafe business, he served as manager the VFW Club for some time until his health failed him in 1945.

LECHTY served in France during World War I, he was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, he was a life member of VFW, he was a life member of VFW, a life member of Elks Lodge No. 1192, member of the Eagles Club, and served as state commander of the Veterans of World War I in 1959-1960. He was also a past commander of the Dimmitt-Vorhies Post VFW.

In addition to his wife, LECHTY is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Eugenia BOYLE, Iowa City, and Mrs. Otto BETTAG, Elmhurst, Ill., and a number of nieces and nephews.

(Volunteer transcription. I am of no relation.)