Bernhard Ernst Melchert

Berni Melchert, 87, died peacefully at home Thursday afternoon with Betty, his wife of 60 years, at his side. Berni was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1956, where he worked for Hauni, a cigarette-machine manufacturer. For decades he traveled the East Coast, venturing as far as Canada as a service technician. He retired in 1997 but continued to work for several years as a consultant. Berni had a passion for his family and his farm near Caswell County in Rockingham County. Berni also enjoyed golf, his grandchildren and the friendship of others, including fellow German expats. In 2012 at the age of 77, Berni became a U.S. citizen. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Audrey Wilson, Jill Jackson and Deborah Moore.Berni is survived by his wife, Betty Melchert; his two sisters, Gerda Statsmann and Heidi Sutor; his son, Alex Melchert (Tammy); his daughter, Adrienne Gatton (Don); and five grandchildren, Sydney Melchert Furstenberg (Ben), Ethan Carlson, Brooke Melchert, Bailey Gatton and Grayson Gatton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church.Visitation will be at Citty Funeral Home Tuesday, June 1, 6-8 p.m. Memorial service will be Saturday, June 5, 11 a.m. St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

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