Obituary Details

Melvin M. Merchen

(12/08/1931 - 12/11/2003)
Courtesy of The Lusk Herald, 12/17/2003

Melvin M. Merchen

Funeral services for Melvin M. Merchen, 72, of Rapid City, S.D. were held Dec. 16, 2003, at the First Evangelical Free Church in Rapid City. Interment was at the Norris Cemetery, Norris, S.D.

Melvin Merchen died Dec. 11, 2003, at his residence in Rapid City.

He was born Dec. 8, 1931, west of Norris, S.D., the son of Harry and Mildred (Beard) Merchen Sr.

He grew up and received his education in rural schools in the area, graduating from Kadoka High School in 1949. After graduation he attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and later South Dakota State University in Brookings. He then returned to the ranch at Norris.

Melvin married Carol L. Batie on Dec. 28, 1953, in Webster S.D. They made their home on the ranch in Norris.

In 1961 they moved to Lusk, where he was an entrepreneur involved in various business ventures. Mel and Carol owned and operated a hardware store, motels, and cattle operations in Lusk; he was a pioneer of irrigated farming in Niobrara County.

In 1976 they moved to Kadoka, S.D., before moving to Rapid City, S.D. in 1977, where he worked as a real estate broker and developer. Melvin enjoyed spending time with his family, which meant everything to him.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Carol of Rapid City; three sons, Mark Merchen of Rapid City, Todd Merchen of Gillette, and Doug of Merchen of Spearfish, S.D.; four grandchildren; three brothers, Harry Merchen, Jr. of Norris, S.D., Mark Merchen of Kadoka, S.D., and Widd Merchen of Gordon, Nebr. and two sisters, Jeanine Gage of Branson, Mo., and Ronell Grotzke of Ennis, Mont.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Rush Funeral Home of Philip, S.D. was in charge of arrangements. Written tributes may be made at www.rushfuneralhome.com.

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Related/Linked Records

Record Type Name
Business Hardware: Midwest Hardware View Record