Melvin Edward Hoppe was born September 2, 1924 at Wausa, Nebraska to William and Maria (Peters) Hoppe. He died October 5, 2006 at the Avera Gregory Health Care Center in Gregory, South Dakota at the age of 82 years, 1 month and 3 days.

Melvin was baptized at Golgotha Lutheran Church in Wausa, Nebraska. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Fairfax, South Dakota. He reaffirmed his faith expressed at his baptism when he was confirmed on September 22, 1940.

On March 18, 1952 Melvin was united in marriage to Helen Smith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfax.

Melvin worked at the COOP Elevator most of his adult life. He retired from the elevator as manager in 1986.

Melvin is survived by his wife Helen of Fairfax, SD; two daughters: Sharon Dummer and husband Rex of Mitchell, SD; and Marlene Hoppe of Mitchell, SD; three sons: Jerry and wife Liz of Joliet, IL; Ron of Sioux Falls, SD; and Terry and wife Tammy of Iowa Falls, IA; twelve grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; five sisters: Milda Mulford of Bonesteel, SD; Lillie Perlenfein and husband Jim of Bonesteel, SD; Lila Krueger and husband Louie of Fulton, IL; Shirley Erickson and husband Dean of Romeoville, IL; and Esther Brown of Aurora, OH; one brother, Harold and wife Mary Ann of Clinton, IL and many nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Albert and one sister, Edna.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 9, 2006 at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfax. Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Fairfax. There will be a 7:00 PM prayer service on Sunday at the Church. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to both services at the Church.