Melvin Frederick “Mel” Breitsprecher, 78, of Valley Falls died Friday, November 2, 2012 at his home.

He was born May 16, 1934 in Cresco, IA the son of Frederick Carl and Stella Voves Breitsprecher. Mel graduated from Winchester High School in 1953. He was an appliance repairman for List Appliance in Valley Falls and Ruralgas in Nortonville. He also worked as an electrician and a farmer. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. Mel served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. Mel married Mary Elizabeth List on May 26, 1989 in Valley Falls, KS. Mary Elizabeth survives of the home.

He is also survived by his brother, Eugene Breitsprecher of Valley Falls, KS; step-brothers, Marvin Smith of Redding, CA, Clarence Smith of Topeka, KS and Howard Z. Smith of Lecompton, KS; step-sisters, Leita Hiebsch, Bessie Brewer and Dorothy Frost all of Topeka, KS; and many nieces and nephews. Mel was preceded in death by his parents, step-dad, Fay Smith; and brother, Robert W. Breitsprecher.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at Valley Falls Christian Church. Burial will be in Valley Falls Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 Monday evening at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Jefferson County Fire District #11, Jefferson County Hospice or American Lung Association c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.