Parkston – Melvin “Mel” Muntefering, 89, went to his heavenly home Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Avera St. Benedict Hospital in Parkston.  Funeral mass will be Wednesday, October 15 at 10:30 am at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Dimock.  Visitation will be Tuesday, October 14 from 5 to 7 pm, with a 7:00 pm prayer service, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Dimock.

Mel was born February 15, 1936 to Albert and Marie (Bowar) Muntefering in Parkston, SD.  He attended Ss. Peter & Paul Parochial School through the 8th grade and graduated from Parkston High School in 1955.  He entered the United States Army on June 12, 1956 and served his country until being honorably discharged on March 13, 1958.  Mel began his career in farming by helping farmers in the White Lake area while also helping an area business lay flooring.  He was united in marriage to Romulda “Ronnie” Schlimgen on August 27, 1960 at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Dimock.  They moved to a farm near Dimock, SD until 1979 when they moved to a farm near Tripp, SD where he farmed until retiring.  His favorite pastimes were spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed his many travels around the countryside. He was a member of the Twin Rivers Old Iron Tractor Club and participat in parades and tractor drives in South Dakota and Nebraska with his IH 706 tractor he farmed with.

Grateful for having shared his life are his 3 children:  Michele (Chris) Peitz of Mitchell, SD; Jodi (Michael) Knutson of Watertown, SD; and Scott (Mollie) Muntefering of Shell Rock, IA and a special friend, Gerri Saenz whom he had met in 2014.  Grampy also has 4 special grandchildren, Derrick (Gina) Schnabel, Isaak Peitz, Megan Muntefering, and Lauren Muntefering and 2 special great-grandchildren, Carter and Sophie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ronnie; and a sister, Marlys Schoenfelder.