Melvin E. Carlstedt, age 99 of Nebraska City, NE (formerly Omaha) passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society in Auburn, NE.

Melvin Elmer Carlstedt was born on February 27, 1925 in Colorado Springs, CO; the son of Clarence and Ruth (Pease) Carlstedt.  His family later moved to Fairbury, NE where he graduated from Fairbury High School in 1943. 

He entered the United States Army on June 18, 1943 and proudly served his country during WWII.  Melvin was honorably discharged on January 29, 1946.  After returning from his service, he returned to Fairbury and attended and graduated from Fairbury Junior College.  While at college, he met the love of his life, Rita Huber.  They were married on July 26, 1948 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Morrowville, KS and to this union two sons were born:  Gerald and Kenneth.  Melvin and Rita were married nearly 76 years.

In 1949, they moved to Omaha where Melvin was a Postal Clerk for 43 years.   Upon his retirement, Melvin and Rita did much traveling in the United States and abroad.  They visited many Catholic Shrines, including trips to Lourdes France, Fatima Portugal and Rome.  In his retirement, Melvin spent time building many pieces of furniture, which he gave to his family.  In 1993, they moved to Nebraska City to be close to their grandchildren.  Melvin and Rita could be found at daily Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church for decades until their health prevented it.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Legion of Mary and the Knights of Columbus 3152.  He was also a member of the Nebraska City American Legion Post.    

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters:  Betty and Lois.

Melvin is survived by his devoted wife, Rita Carlstedt; sons:  Gerald Carlstedt of Papillion, NE and Kenneth Carlstedt (Paula) of Nebr. City, NE; two grandchildren:  Danny Carlstedt (Stefanie) of Omaha, NE and Patty Mattson (Luke) of Hickman, NE and six great-grandchildren:  Aubrey, Kailynn, Rylan, Jaxon, Blake and Christian; other family and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebr. City with Fr. Tom Schultes and Monsignor Mark Huber celebrating the Mass.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Nebr. City with complete Military Honors conducted by the Nebraska Army National Guard Funeral Honors Detail and the Talmage American Legion Post.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday (7/2) at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City, NE.  A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Lourdes Central Catholic School.

Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City is in charge of arrangements.