Melvin Anderson

Melvin “Andy” Anderson, 86, of Faulkton, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the Faulkton Medical Center, Faulkton.

Funeral services were held at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 22, 2014 at the United Church of Faulkton with Pastor Bill Hoffman officiating. Burial followed in the Faulkton Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton.

Melvin “Andy” Arthur Anderson was born April 18, 1928 to Arthur R. and Margaret (Todd) Anderson at Lebanon, SD. They lived in the Seneca area where he attended school. His father died when he was 9 years old. Andy worked for various families in that area. He later attended school in Faulkton and entered into the US Navy at age 17. He served on the USS Palau during World War II.

He married Corrine Metz of Miranda, SD on November 25, 1949 in Faulkton. They were blessed with three children; Tom, Cindy and Kathy.

Andy worked as a custodian for the Faulkton School District until ill health forced his retirement in 1980. During those years the gymnasium, grade school building and the multi-purpose room were added on to the school. He took pride in keeping the school “spotless” and enjoyed all the students throughout the years as well. He saved all of the “homemade” get well cards the grade school students made and sent him. Many friendships were made during his school days at the Faulkton School.

Andy was active in 4-H activities, the Faulkton City Council, the VFW and American Legion, as a Faulkton Volunteer Fireman and many youth activities. He enjoyed all sports and the wonders of nature. Andy was an avid card player and also enjoyed watching movies. He was a member of the United Church of Faulkton.

Survivors include his son, Tom (Brenda) of Camino, CA; daughters: Cindy (Jerry) Wildberger of Sturgis, SD and Kathy Biedenfeld (Mark Garber) of Pierre, SD; his grandchildren: Debbi Runner of Cambridge, NE, Mark Biedenfeld of St. Paul, MN, Todd (Michelle) Biedenfeld of St. Anthony, MN, Andy Wildberger (Kymber Keffeler) of Sturgis, Maggie Anderson of Camino, CA, Tina Waring of Rapid City, Anita McMillin of Box Elder, and Karla Wildberger (Dean Boles) of Dubuque, IA; his great grandchildren: Dusty & Cody Runner of Cambridge, NE, Andrew Biedenfeld of St. Anthony, MN, John (Elizabeth) Waring, Jake, Patrick, and Paul Waring all of Ree Heights and Alan McMillin of Black Hawk; his sisters: Doris (Burt) Coyle of Ipswich, Helen Vetch of Rapid City, Rosalie Wahlen of Faulkton and Lois Mouchet of Littleton, CO; brothers: Donald (Brenda) of Jefferson ,GA, LeRoy (Wanda) of Terre Haute, IN and Arthur (Dorothy) of Aurora, CO and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Corrine in 2013; his parents; brothers, Glenn and Kenneth; sister Lorraine; and granddaughter, Dawn Lynn Biedenfeld in 1977.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Andy’s arrangements.