Melvin “Mel” Eggebo, 72, of Hettinger, ND passed away May 29th, 2024, after a long battle with cancer at West River Regional Medical Center, Hettinger surrounded by family.
Funeral services will be 10am Friday, June 14th, 2024, at the United Methodist Church, Hettinger with Pastor Laurie Kidd officiating. Following the service, inurnment with full military honors will be at the Hettinger Cemetery with a luncheon and fellowship to follow at the Granary.
Mel was born January 6th, 1952, in Hettinger to John and Millie Eggebo, Lodgepole, SD. He was baptized in the Hettinger Lutheran Church. He attended rural grade schools in Lodgepole. Mel graduated from Hettinger High School in 1971. He purchased his first car, a 1958 Ford Fairlane 500. It became his pride and joy. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, Minot ND was his base. He served as an aerospace ground equipment repair and maintenance operator. He spent time in Germany, Florida and California. Mel was honorably discharged in December 1975. On July 15th, 2023, he was honored with a Quilt of Valor for his service.
Mel married Mary White in Bison, SD on June 30th, 1979. Bridgette was born in 1981, Natalie in 1984 and Jared in 1985. They made their home in Hettinger. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post #115.
After he returned home from the Air Force, he began driving truck which he continued to do over the years. Mel enjoyed the wide-open roads. He was a natural mechanic from childhood and worked as a mechanic locally as well as owned Mel’s Repair. It was a common statement “that if Mel couldn’t fix it, there was no fix!!” Also, at a young age he developed a love for tractors and did farm work for relatives and neighbors for many years. In 1979, he began farming for himself as a “hobby.” Sunshine, heat and haying were his favorites. The past 20 years he worked in agriculture sales. He loved to assist customers, have a good laugh and visit. Customer service was so important to him.
He is survived by his wife Mary, children Bridgette (Eric) Schuler, Natalie Eggebo (Cody Miller) and Jared (Alisha) Eggebo. HIs grandchildren Bowden, Riley and Alyvia Hasbrouck, Bennett and Emeryson Schuler. Siblings Jim (Lois) Eggebo, Karen (Larry) Hehn, Cheryl Kuntz, and Carol Mattis. His mother-in-law Bonnie White, sisters-in-law Karen (Jim) Waller and Joyce (Jim) DeVries, brothers-in-law Wayne (Teri) White, Jim White and David (Tanya) White and many supportive relatives and friends.
Mel was preceded in death by his infant son Justin, his parents, all his grandparents, brother-in-law Butch Mattis, father-in-law Norman White, and numerous family members and friends.
Mel always had a smile and was ready for a joke, prank, cards or a rowdy game of Monopoly. He enjoyed a beer, a good cup of coffee, a tasty steak, bowling, darts, horseshoes, reading and tinkering. He was dedicated to the land and his friends and family, especially his grandkids. He had hoped to see “one more spring.” That wish was granted. He will be missed by many. “Catch Ya Later”
