Melvin Elmer Gunkel, 91, WWII veteran and resident of Villa Hills, Kentucky, died in peace on April 14, 2014.Mel was born June 5, 1922, in Covington, Kentucky, to Frank Gunkel and Della (Teipel) fathers of Villa Hills and served the city for many years.

Mel is survived by his wife of 65 years Mary Ellen Kahn and children: Diane Garber (Milton) of Jefferson City, Mo., Karen Anderson (Orren) of Minot, N.D., Linda Krumpelman (Stan) of Villa Hills, Ky., Christine Weber (Lee) of Lexington, Ky., and Julie Eten of Villa Hills, Ky. He is also survived by his brother Franklin Gunkel, and grandchildren Sarah Garber, Erin and Jaclyn Cummings, and Nicholas Eten.

Mel was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl, Paul, Clifford and sister Laverne Lamping.

Services will be held at St. Joseph Parish, Crescent Springs, Ky. April 21, 2014. Open visitation 5:00 pm followed by Mass at 6:30. Christian burial 10 am April 22 at Mother of God Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice of Bluegrass, The American Heart Association or Atria of Summit Hills. Online condolences can be made at www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com.