Funeral services for Melvin Rieker age 89 of Herreid will be at 11 AM, Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Peace Lutheran Church in Herreid. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will start at 9:30 AM on Saturday. Mr. Rieker passed away Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen.

Melvin Rieker was born on April 10, 1927, in Herreid, SD. The only child of Johannes (John) and Martha May (Furlong) Rieker. Melvin graduated from Herreid High School in 1945. He was not able to attend graduation with his classmates as he began his service to his country during WWII. Melvin entered into the US Navy where he served on the western Pacific island of Guam as a heavy equipment operator and provided security and physical protection for service members as a Shore Patrol. He was Honorably Discharged August 1946. After his discharge Melvin attended the Coyne Electric School of Chicago under the GI Bill. While in Chicago, Melvin met May L. Lausted of Colfax, WI who was completing a Registered Nurse Program. Melvin and May were married on June 18, 1949. After their marriage the couple made their home in Herreid. From when Melvin started the Rieker Electric business in the basement of the present city finance building it has grown over the years and Melvin had seen many changes in electricity, appliances and technology. Melvin continued working side by side with his son Myron and being part of the store until declining physical health. He entered Aberdeen Manor Care in August of 2014. Melvin's faith in his lord and savior were evident. While in Aberdeen, he made many friends at Aberdeen First United Methodist Church. Through the exceptional dedication of the van drivers of FUMC, Melvin was able to regularly attend adult Sunday school and church.

Melvin's life was committed to service to others in the Campbell County area. Melvin was not only a business man, he played many rolls such as the Mayor of Herreid for eight years, Campbell County Cemetery Board, Campbell County Bank Board of Directors, Campbell County Coroner, Herreid Fire and Campbell County Ambulance Department. Melvin and May went on many ambulance calls together. Melvin as the ambulance driver while May tended to the passenger. May passed away November 4, 1990. Melvin was a member of the Herreid Commercial Club. He was an active member of the Herreid American Legion Post #170 for 72 years.

Melvin enjoyed geography, history and world culture. He traveled throughout the US including, Hawaii and Alaska, and he delighted in sharing his adventures to Egypt, China, Europe, Mexico, and Panama Canal. A special highlight of his travels was a trip to Argentina in 1998 with daughter, Marlys, to reunite with his 1972 exchange student son, Dr. Daniel and Vilma Bentolila. Melvin was proud of his children and grandchildren. He looked forward to taking his grandkids to the Shrine circus in Aberdeen each year. When time allowed Melvin enjoyed beekeeping, gardening including raising grapes, cherries and apples.
Melvin married Laura Haller on March 1, 2000. She passed away on October 25, 2011.

Melvin is survived by his three children, Melva Becker of Coon Rapids, MN, Myron (Renee) Rieker of Herreid, and Marlys (Dennis) Volzke of Aberdeen, a step-daughter, Jane (Buddy) Wilson of Richmond, VA, nine grandchildren, Melanie Engle, Patricia (Steve) Glasford, Andrea (Nick) Martell, Michelle Becker, Collin Rieker, Lauren (Jamie) Volzke, Lynnae (Dane) Happ, Natalie Volzke, Marie Volzke, three great grandchildren, William Glasford, Joseph and Maysi Volzke and two more expected, step grandchildren, Steve (Kari) Stieglmeier, Jennifer (Clay) Gropper, Ben Wilson, step great grandchildren, Tommy and Anna Stieglmeier, Kyra and Kyanna Gropper, two sisters-in-law, Celia Lausted and Julia Lausted.

Melvin was very dedicated to his family, the business he established 69 years ago and the community he served. We were blessed by his generous servant hood to all and he will be greatly missed by many.

He was preceded in death by both wives, May L. (1990), Laura (2011), his parents, John in 1976, and May in 1979, and one step daughter, Laurie Mendering.