Melvin Zeller
March 27, 1912 ~ December 20, 2009
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, December 28, 2009 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church with Father Chester Murtha officiating. Burial followed in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller. Visitation was held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 27, 2009 with a 3:00 p.m. scripture service at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.
Melvin was born March 27, 1912 in Huron, South Dakota to Valentine and Emily (Sprenger) Zeller. Melvin and his brother, Charles went to school at St. Mary’s in Zell and St. Mary’s High School in Salem.
He married Dorothy Schaefer at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Miller on September 30, 1941. They made their home and raised their family in Miller for 68 years. Val, Melvin, and Charles began their construction business in the Miller area in the late 1930’s. Melvin and Charles worked on many homes, businesses and farms. Many sons of Melvin and Charles worked with them prior to Joe taking over the business. Melvin contributed to the community through St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club. He was honored in 2005 as the Pioneer of the Church.
Melvin and Dorothy traveled extensively, visiting their children and grandchildren in all parts of the country. They also visited Italy, Germany, Hawaii, California and Canada. After retiring, Melvin enjoyed woodworking in his basement shop, watching baseball, gardening, attending grandkids’ activities and visiting with family and friends. Melvin’s 97 years were full of laughter, love and happiness.
Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Dorothy of Miller; children: James (Jane) Zeller of Dayton, OH, Carol (Craig) Connor of Rapid City, SD, Thomas (Sharon) Zeller of Rapid City, SD, Joseph (Gail) Zeller of Miller, SD, and Vern (Ruth) Schaefer of Ames, IA; 16 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Teresa Zeller and granddaughter, Ashley Zeller.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Miller.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Melvin's arrangements.
MINISTER
Father Chester Murtha
CASKETBEARERS
Bob Schaefer
Kenny Schaefer
Mike Schaefer
Larry Bowar
Gary Bowar
Brian Seeman
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Grandchildren
Tim Connor
Chris Connor
Anthony Connor
Kimberly Deas
Katherine Zeller
John Zeller
James Zeller
Nathan Zeller
Marc Zeller
Lysann Zeller
Adam Zeller
Adrienne Zeller
Aaron Zeller
Scott Schaefer
Mike Schaefer
Dan Schaefer
ORGANIST
Connie Schroeder
MUSICIANS
St. Ann's Choir
Pete Roth
"Ava Maria"
MUSIC SELECTIONS
"Precious Lord, Take My Hand"
"Amazing Grace"
"The Old Rugged Cross"
"Let There Be Peace on Earth"
ALTAR SERVERS
Garett Steers
Emma Steers
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER
Pat Beaner
LECTOR
Vern Schaefer
GIFTBEARERS
Mary Roth
Janice Moore
INTERMENT
St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery
Miller, South Dakota
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So sorry to hear about Melvin. Our thoughts are prayers are with your family.
Dear Family
I want to express my sincere sympathy for the loss of your loved one. You can be assured that comfort and hope are found in the pages of the Bible. Revelations 21:4
speaks of a time when sorrow will be a thing of the past. I hope this message brings
you a measure of hope. Please take care of yourselves.
Sincerely
Hi
What can I say about Melvin ?
He was like a dad to me .
He always got the last word
Now God has the last word !!!!!
Now who is going to say
Crocodile Alligator !!!!!!!!!!
May God Bless
Love Brian
For all of us guys who grew up together, we referred to each other’s parents as Joe’s dad, or Tim’s dad, or Brock’s mom, etc. As quiet as Joe’s dad was, he liked to have fun. He was the one parent who pulled us around the snowy side streets of Miller as we rode the sled behind his pickup. The whole time he would monitor us in his rear-view mirror, laughing along with us with his unique laugh, a laugh only Lyle Droppers was ever able to mimic properly. Joe’s dad instilled in all of his kids a quiet demeanor, strong work ethic, and a strong Christian foundation . This manifests itself now in his children and grandchildren as a family of high moral character and integrity. In the end, this is what defines success. Joe’s dad led a successful life and died a successful man. I am proud to have known Joe’s dad.
Dear Dorothy,
Jim, Carol, Tom, Joe, Vern,
Blessings, hugs and our prayers and love to a wonderful family as we remember the very, very special patriarch of the Zeller family, We will forever treasure our many fond memories of Melvin and Charles and all the remodel-ing jobs they did for Schaefers. How fortunate we are to have their many talented carpentering improvements to our home & Polo!
Melvin was an inspirational witness to faith, family & fun.
God Bless You all.
Joe, Gail and Family,
Tim and I want to send our love and condolences for your loss. While I never had the opportunity to meet your Dad, the stories that I have heard from Tim and from you let me know what a great man he was and still is in your hearts. All of the Zeller family members seem so close. All families could only hope and pray for such a strong relationship. This really is a testament to the kind of man and father Melvin was. While you will miss him terribly, you know that Heaven has gained an angel and he will be with you always.
Much love,
Lisa
To The Zeller Family
With Sincere Sympathy, In our thoughts and cherished memories. Our loved ones are always with us. At this time my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ellen Kay Wagner
We were so very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Our condolences to the whole family.
To The Zeller Family, My sympathies to all of you. Melvin was such a kind man. What a great life he most of had in his 97 years. God Bless. Ron
Our sympathy to you and your family. Celebrate his life with all your wonderful memories.