Funeral services for Mervin Mittleider, age 88, of Herreid will be at 2 PM, Monday August 9, 2010 at the Herreid Baptist Church. Pastor Steve Swann will be officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery with military honors by the Jacob A. Heinrich American Legion Post No. 170. Visitation will start at 5 PM Sunday with a prayer service at 7 PM at the church. Mervin passed away Friday, August 6, 2010 at the Strasburg Care Center. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge is in charge of the arrangements.

Mervin Mittleider was born on December 26, 1921 to John and Austina (Hagel) Mittleider on the family farm west of Herreid. He attended the Perkins Country School for eight years. He helped on the family farm until 1942. In September 1942 he entered the US Army during WWII. After a medical discharge in 1944, he returned home and continued farming with his dad. Mervin accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 30 at which time he was baptized and joined the Herreid Baptist Church and was a member until his death.

Mervin married Ruth Rossow on June 1, 1952. To this union their son, Ron was born on June 3, 1953. They lived on the family farm west of Herreid for 30 years where Mervin took much pride in raising his Hereford cattle. They built a new home in Herreid and moved into town in 1982.

As his health failed, Mervin entered the Strasburg Care Center in Strasburg, ND on May 24, 2010. His quick wit earned him many special friends at the care center.

Mervin served as an usher, trustee and deacon at the Herreid Baptist Church. He was also on the Advisory Board and the Board of Christian Education. He was a member of the Jacob A Heinrich Legion Post No. 170 and served as commander, adjutant and county commander. He was a member of the Senior Citizens and served as president for many years.

Mervin enjoyed fishing, gardening, yard work and playing pool. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. His granddaughters were the "apple of his eye" as he told them every chance he got "I love you many pounds." As his health failed he made sure everyone knew that no one could have a better caretaker than his wife Ruth.

Grateful to have shared his life are his wife of 58 years, Ruth and son Ron (Diana) Mittleider of Herreid, SD, three granddaughters, Laci (Matt) Aberle of Bismarck, ND, Courtney (Chad) Neff of Sioux Falls, SD and Kayley Mittleider of Brookings, SD; two sisters, Ardella Ackerman of Selby and Lorraine Rudolph of Lodi, CA and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, John and Austina and two brothers, Walter and Floyd.

Casketbearers are Matt Aberle, Chad Neff, Bob Rossow, Steve Rossow, Keith Fjeldheim and Harlow Rudolph.

Honorary Bearers will be the Jacob A. Heinrich Legion Post No. 170 and the Sons of the Legion Post No. 170.

Ushers will be Lloyd Kusler and Darvin Vilhauer.

Pianist will be Marilyn Schaefbauer.

Harlow and Jarene Rudolph will sing "I Want To See My Savior First Of All", "The Longer I Serve Him The Sweeter He Grows" and "The Last River".