Orvil Melius

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Orvil Melius, 93, of Faulkton, passed away Monday, February 13, 2017 at the Faulkton Senior Living Center.

Funeral service will be 2:30 p.m., Monday, February 20, 2017 at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton. Reception will follow the funeral at the United Church of Faulkton. Private burial will be at the Faulkton Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, February 19, 2017 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the funeral home.

On August 21, 1923, Orvil Melius was the 12th of 17 children born to William Otto and Julia (Arendsee) Melius. He attended country school and completed his education in 1941 at Faulkton High School. Orvil desired to join the military during WWII like his older brothers, however, he and his younger brother Claire had to stay and work on the family farm. He eventually got to take part at boot camp in Arkansas during the winter of 1946. Orvil then joined the Occupational Army after WWII and was stationed in Japan for a short period of time.

Upon Orvils return from the service a certain young lady, Irene C. Haselhorst, caught his eye. After several attempts to connect with her, his persistence paid off and asked the future love of his life to be his date for a Melius team softball game in Redfield, SD. On September 14, 1949 they united in marriage at the Walt Olson farmstead. They lived at the old Keller place, Lilas Riley’s farm, for a couple years until moving to their farm, west of Wecota, where they worked until 1998. They continued to live on the farm until September of 2004 when moved into Faulkton.

Orvil put all his hard work into the farm, just driving into the yard one would notice various sheds and a big red barn, all with a fresh coat of paint. The farm equipment could always be found in flawless formation. With a yard that was nothing short of perfection, Orvil and Irene achieved the skill of synchronized mowing on their John Deere riding mowers. His bib overalls were a staple along with a hanky shoved in the pocket. Farming was not considered work to Orvil more so a way of life, one that he and Irene truly enjoyed.

Any food with chocolate on it or in it was Orvil’s favorite, his homemade fudge was savored by those who got to try it. Orvil enjoyed making homemade apple juice with family members, restoring antique blow torches, and creating “whirly majigs”, similar to his brother Claire.

Orvil was on the Faulkton School Board in the late 1960s and also served on the Saratoga Township Board for many years.

Blessed for having shared his life are three children: Marilee (Ray) Patton of Tulsa, OK, Susan Melius of Mission Viejo, CA, and Diane (Lee) Hansen of Faulkton, SD; four grandchildren: Michael Patton, Matthew (Haley) Patton, and Rick (Ashley) Hansen, Trish (Cole) Cotton; five great-grandchildren: Blake, Evan, and Heidi Hansen, Raya and Harper Cotton; and one sister, Joetta Swanhorst of Aberdeen, SD.

Orvil was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Irene; seven brothers: Richard, Royal, Lloyd, Delos, Hilton, Marvin, and Claire; seven sisters: LaVern, Olive, Vivian, Marcelle, Joyce, Audrey, and LaVilla; and grandchild, Cody Hansen.

Memorials can be directed to the Faulkton Area Medical Center Foundation, PO Box 100, Faulkton, S.D. 57438.

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