Melvin W. Geithmann

Melvin W. Geithmann (Mel), 91, formerly of Toledo and Holland, Ohio, passed away on September 19th, 2026. Mel was born in Toledo but moved to South Bass Island early in childhood, graduating from Put-in-Bay High School in a class of six in 1953. While on the island, he worked at the airport repairing the Ford Tri-Motor aircraft that were in use at the time, and at Miller’s Ferry. After serving briefly in the Air Force, he moved back to Toledo in 1956. He began working in the dental supply business, eventually becoming a dental service technician for 47 years, working in dental offices throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. His work took him to most of the dentists in the region, in towns big and small, where he used his tools and his skill with them to help keep the offices humming and their patients smiling.

Mel was active in the Boy Scouts of America starting with his childhood on the island, continuing while his sons were in Scouting, and well into his retirement years. As a Scouter, he served as both a Cub and Scoutmaster and received the District Award of Merit, the Saint George award, and the Silver Beaver Award. He was a member of the camp Miakonda Engineers for 25 years. Mel was also active at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church where he was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, as well as being a go-to person for decorating the church for Christmas and Easter and running electrical service for the festivals.

Mel is survived by his wife of 65 years, Madonna Geithmann, brother Joseph Geithmann of Argyle, TX, and sister Patricia Wolfe of Tampa, FL. He was preceded in death by two of his brothers, Ronald and Gary Geithmann. Mel is also survived by daughters Melinda (John) Estell, of Bluffton, OH, and Marilyn (Scott) Friedhof of Morehead, Kentucky; sons Michael (Nicole) of Toledo and Martin (Isabel) of Lexington, KY; and eight wonderful grandchildren.

The family will receive guests Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1850 Airport Highway, Toledo OH 43609. The Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. in Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Erie Shores Council of Scouting America or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital