MELVIN G. VIESSMAN, age 84, of Luverne, died Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at the Sanford USD Medical Center, in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 15, 1940, on the family farm in Rural Rock County, MN, to Glen and Reka (Giesen) Viessman. Mel attended country school in rural Luverne until 8th 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, CA. 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 ten 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 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 will be from 4 to 6:15 pm Monday, December 30 at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. Funeral will be 6:30 pm Monday with military honors provided by the Luverne American Legion & VFW with refreshments and fellowship to follow at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date.