Melvin (Mel) D. Kinsey, 73, Sioux Falls, formerly of Beaver Creek and Adrian, died Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at Bethany Home in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Services were Sunday, April 21, at First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek. The Rev. Connie Stone officiated. Military honors were provided by American Legion Post #123 and VFW Post #2757 of Luverne.
Melvin Kinsey was born to Charles and Bessie (Dohlman) Kinsey on Oct. 29, 1928, in Jackson County. In 1947 he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Mediterranean and South America aboard the USS Massey DD778.
He married Leona M. Pigman on May 16, 1948, in Worthington. He worked as a farmhand until 1950 when he moved to Wallace, Idaho. He worked for the Hecla Mining Co. in the lead, silver and zinc mines. In 1952 he moved to Lead, S.D., and worked at Homestake gold mines. He also worked with the crew that built the raise for the Pactola Dam. In 1953 he moved to Rapid City, S.D., where he worked as milkman, cook and construction worker. In 1955 he moved back to Minnesota where he worked for Hudson Bros. building the Globe Office in Worthington. He then went to Beaver Creek to help build the school
In 1956 he went to work for Beaver Creek Co-op Elevator. While working at the elevator he also held several part-time jobs such as town cop, City Council member, sold seed corn, fireman (serving as chief for one year), and was Justice of the Peace performing several weddings. He also was a bartender, gas station attendant and tilled gardens. During one period he had seven part-time jobs at the same time. He and his wife owned and operated the Home Plate CafŽ in Beaver Creek for five years. In 1973 they moved to Adrian and managed the Adrian-Lismore Co-op Elevator for 15 years. He retired in 1988 due to bad health. In 1991 they moved to Sioux Falls.
Survivors include his wife, Leona Kinsey, Sioux Falls; one daughter, Carol Kinsey, Sioux Falls; one brother, Herbert Kinsey, Wallace, Idaho; and one sister, Verna Gentry, Storden.
Mr. Kinsey was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Judith, three brothers and four sisters.
Memorials are preferred to the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek.
Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.