It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Margaret (Peggy) Melmer, on January 29, 2025, in Mitchell, South Dakota, at the age of 90. Peggy was born on April 11, 1934, to Brownie and Elinor (McKenna) Carpenter.

A Celebration of Life for Peggy will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 1-5 at her home, 314 S. Wisconsin, Mitchell, SD 57301. Please come and go as you please and share stories and laughter. Peggy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Peggy was united in marriage to William Engel in 1953, and together they had six children. In 1968, Peggy married the love of her life, Fred Melmer, and to this union, two more children were born. Peggy resided in Lake Andes, SD, until she moved to Mitchell in 1990.

Peggy graduated from Ravinia High School in 1952. Alongside Fred, she dedicated many years to running Melmer's Drive Inn in Lake Andes, where her warm smile and genuine kindness made a lasting impact on everyone who visited. They employed many local teenagers, offering guidance and mentorship that would stay with them throughout their lives. Peggy also worked various other jobs, including a telephone operator, housekeeping at local motels and later delivering newspapers. She worked at Palace Cleaners for a short time after moving to Mitchell.

Above all, Peggy's greatest accomplishment was raising her eight children and helping care for her grandchildren. She had an undeniable love for children and could always be found with open arms when a baby was nearby. Her nurturing spirit and loving heart made her a pillar of strength and unwavering support for her family.

Peggy was always known for having extra food on the table and for being a source of comfort and love for anyone in need. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, kindness, and faith that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family. Peggy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will forever be remembered for her loving nature, her deep faith, and her dedication to her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Fred Melmer, her sons Rob and Russell Engel, granddaughter Suzie Sejnoha, son-in-law Kirby Sejnoha, her parents Brownie and Elinor Carpenter, and her grandparents, John and Madge Carpenter and William "Pa" McKenna.

Peggy leaves behind six children: Randy Engel (Jodi), Rick Engel (Jodie), Ruth Engel Sejnoha, Ron Engel (Becky), Roger Melmer, and Ranae Melmer; 26 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mitchell Heart and Soul PO Box 236, Mitchell, SD 57301.