Melvin "Mel" Meinen, age 103, of Mitchell, SD died Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Firesteel Healthcare Center. Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at First Lutheran Church with burial at the South Spencer Cemetery, Rural Spencer, SD. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday February 7, 2017     at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Mel Meinen, son of John and Lois (Lewis) Meinen, was born October 1, 1913 on the family farm in Hanson County. He attended country school in Hanson County.

Mel was united in marriage with Esther Dorale on May 4, 1955 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Spencer, SD. He was a longtime farmer in Hanson County until 1998 when the couple moved to Mitchell, SD. Mel loved farming and raising livestock.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Mitchell.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Esther Meinen, Mitchell, SD;  and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Irene and Mildred Zeal, Opal and Woody Boehmer; and a brother, Art and Frances Meinen.