Donald Melius
October 22, 1938 ~ January 1, 2014
Donald Wilson Melius, 75 of Faulkton, passed away at home with family on New Year’s morning. He had just spent the holidays with all of his children, grand children and great grand-children.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, January 5, 2014 at the United Church of Faulkton with Pastor Bill Hoffman officiating. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Don was born on October 22, 1938 to Royal and Holly (Pritchard) Melius in Faulk County, SD. He was a graduate of Faulkton High School and worked with his father on the family farm. He served in the army from 1961 to 1963 and then returned to farming. His three sons joined him in his passion for farming and ranching, working side by side through good times and bad.
Don enjoyed his retirement years doing what he loved most …riding horses, farming part-time, hunting and spending time with his grand kids.
He is survived by his sons: Dan (Susan) of Miranda SD, Mitch of North Platte NE, and Matt (Sara) of Minnetrista, MN; twelve grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and his siblings: Sally (Bob) Dambacher and Jim (Ellen) Melius.
He was a true cowboy and a favorite of his grand children: David, Heidi, Ty, Jake (Dan/Susan); Jessica, Emilee (Mitch); and Jamie, Spencer, Siara, Emma, Isabella, Lila (Matt/Sara) and great grandchildren Darin, Memphys, and Hayli (David/Janet) and Case (Heidi/Josh).
Don was preceded in death by his parents.
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My sympathy to the Family. I worked for Don a few months in the Spring of 1989. He taught me a two point turn with a pickup on a narrow road that I’ve used ever since and have taught to many others. We’d meet up at the house for lunch that he cooked and watch One Life to Live. Years later some college pals were watching it and I knew every character! I’ve still never eaten better mashed potato’s and chives than Don made. My thoughts and prayers. DK
Dan, Susan and family,
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Take comfort from each other and your memories of all he was to each of you. God Bless.
Melius Family,
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you all during this difficult time.
As Eldon and Marty’s oldest son, I send you my sincere condolences along with my son Matt and wife Sue. It sounds like Don leaves behind big shoes to fill, and a family with the heart to try.
Will miss the coffee meetings when you came to the Hills. Your Big hugs were always a welcome. Will think of you often.
Karen(Melius) Schaefer
Although Dwight is a 1st cousin we really did not know Don until the weekly Thursday morning Melius breakfast which changed that. First at the table, his ready smile and big voice greeted us. When the conversation went to recalling memories from younger days Don always had many to tell and, without question, he was firm in his convictions. He was proud of his kids & grandkids! And we will never forget how kind he was to us when our 4-yr-old grandson passed two years ago. Don will be missed…
My heart felt sympathy to all of Don’ s family. With his passing your hearts are heavy, but you are so much richer for the part he played in your lives. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Cousin JoAnne Buckley Cook
Dear Melius Family: I am sorry for your loss, one more old neighbor gone. May God be with you. Good Bye Don.
We would like to offer our condolences to Don’s family as you mourn his passing. Our kids always refer to him as “Old Don” and he became a part of our family during the time he worked for us. Now we just enjoyed his frequent surprise visits! He was the #1 fan of my homemade bread pudding…and told me that every time he saw us! Keep his memory alive for his grand kids because he always spoke so highly of them and loved them dearly! Rest in peace Don!
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Revelation 21:4 make this promise, it says: ” And he (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will morning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” What a beautiful promise, we all look forward, from our loving Creator, (Jehovah God, Psalm 83:18). May the God of peace be with you and your family.
Sincerely Yours,
Brandy Molina
I was too late. I served with Don at Fort Bliss, TX. He was a great guy. Several times over the years I have thought about trying to re-establish contact.