Melvin G. Viessman, age 84, of Luverne, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by his family.
He was born on Nov. 15, 1940, on the family farm in rural Rock County, Minnesota, to Glen and Reka (Giesen) Viessman. Mel attended country school in rural Luverne until eighth grade and graduated from Luverne High School in 1958.
Mel married the love of his life, Beverly (Bev) Schmuck on May 24, 1963, at the Kenneth Lutheran Church, in Kenneth. In May 1967 their daughter, Chantel (Viessman) Connell was born, followed by their son, Scott Viessman in March 1970.
Mel joined the Navy in July 1958 and was stationed in San Diego, California. He served in the Navy until November 1961. He then worked at a local gas station, Hanson Silo, and Raven Industries. In January 1963 Mel started working at IBP where he worked for the next 31 years until 1994. In 1979 they started Bow Wow Village at their acreage east of town in Luverne. In 1990 Mel and Bev purchased the Luverne Paint & Glass store, which they owned for 10 years. During this time they expanded into home decor, custom framing, matting, and art prints.
In 2000 they sold the store and began enjoying their retirement. They traveled to many different places during retirement and Mel said Hawaii and Mexico were his two favorite places.
Other hobbies that Mel enjoyed were the 30 years of card club with friends, gardening, camping, hunting, upcycling furniture, and bonfires. Most importantly, Mel enjoyed spending time with and spoiling his four grandchildren, Jesse, Josh, Cedar and Sage; and his great-grandchildren, Oliver, Quinn, Amelia and Monte.
Mel is survived by his wife, Beverly, daughter Chantel Connell, son Scott (Tricia) Viessman and their children, Cedar and Sage; grandson Jesse (Ashley) Connell and their children, Oliver and Quinn; grandson Josh (Christine) Connell and their children, Amelia and Monte, all from the Luverne area. He is survived by his two sisters, Alice Brandt, Beaver Creek, and Betty Mulder, Luverne. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Henriette and brother-in-law Leonard Remme; brother John and sister-in-law Charleen Viessman; two brothers-in-law, Boyd Brandt and Ronnie Mulder; son-in-law Terry (Butch) Connell; and a nephew, Gary Brandt.
Visitation was from 4 to 6:15 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. Funeral was at 6:30 p.m. Monday with military honors provided by the Luverne American Legion & VFW, with refreshments and fellowship following at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne.
A private family graveside service will take place at a later date.
