Melvin "Mel" Saier, 86, of Crystal Falls, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2012, at Dickinson County Healthcare System, Iron Mountain. He was born February 4, 1926, in Mount Clemens, Mich., son of the late Joseph and Hilda (Trierwieler) Saier. Mel married the former Lois Wolfe on October 18, 1947, in in St. Clair Shores. She preceded him in death on August 7, 2003. Lying about his age, Mel enlisted in the United States Army before graduating high school. In 2004, Forest Park honored many Veterans that did not receive their high school diploma, and Mel was able to graduate with his granddaughter, Ashley, which was a very high honor for him. Mel was in WWII and was a Paratrooper in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a NCOIC of the local 82nd Airborne Color Guard. Mel was very instrumental in setting up the 82nd Airborne Memorial located at Memory Lane Resort and also renaming the bridge there. He marched in every parade counting cadence. When he could no longer march, he still participated by riding in the color guard vehicle. He owned and operated a carpet store in St. Claire Shores, Mich. After retiring, he moved to Crystal Falls where he worked installing flooring for the Plowe Furniture Store, before going back into ownership on Swan Lake Road with Saier's Floor Decorating. Mel was still getting measures the day he passed. Mel was a member of the St. Claire Shores VFW Post No. 140 in which he was a member until his death and was presented with his 65 year pin. He is survived by his three sons, Robert (Edna) Saier, Ronald (Pam) Saier, Jerome (Tammy) Saier; eleven grandchildren, Lisa (Tommy) Castello, Sherry (Jason) Collins, Michael Saier, Carrie (Tim) Kniga, Joseph Saier, Ashley (Rob) James, Kristine Saier, Tony, Shelia, George, Eddie; ten great-grandchildren, Roy, Rielly, Reagan, Madison, Mikayla, Kate Belle, Matthew, John, Abby, Dani Lois; four step-grandchildren, Braxton Neil, Brittany Neil, Dylan James, Nya James; and a special friend, Faith Hall. Along with his parents and wife, Mel was preceded in death by one son, John Saier. The visitation will be Tuesday, February 28, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls. The memorial service will be held 5:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Rev. Jeffrey Kurtz will officiate. The East Side Veterans Council will conduct a Pass-In-Review ceremony 4:45 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls. You may light a candle in remembrance of Melvin, or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, is serving the family.