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Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10:30 AM (Central).

United Methodist Church
Murdo, South Dakota

Murdo Cemetery
Murdo, South Dakota
Visitation will be held 9-10:30 a.m. CST with a prayer service at 10:30 a.m. CST Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Murdo.



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In memory of

Melvin "Butch" Feddersen

of Murdo, South Dakota , died on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 77

Melvin Adolph Feddersen was born November 30, 1948, to Harriet (Jonkers) and Adolph Feddersen. He was born the middle child of seven: Johnny, Allen, Yvonne, Melvin, Lyle, Marvin, and Milton. He was nicknamed "Butch" by his grandmother, and many people didn't know his name was Melvin.

He started working at Dean's 66 while he was in high school. In 1978 he bought a half interest in the business. He later bought the other half. He operated the business from 1978 until 2007, when he turned it over to his son.

He fiercely loved his kids and grandkids. From all their activities and sports to getting them involved in the great outdoors. He taught them how to hunt and fish. He and his grandkids stocked many of the fishing holes in Jones County and the surrounding areas. He followed all their activities, especially sports, and was their biggest fan! Following their activities helped him to enjoy another of his favorite things, “Concession Stands”. He loved his coke and popcorn, and the first thing he did at games was to hit the concession stand.

Playing cards was a huge thing within the family. The Feddersen boys and the Magnuson boys had a regular scheduled rotation. There were a few fill-ins, but predominately the same bunch. Penny-enny games played mainly for bragging rights, but pitch, cribbage and pinochle were the main games. Many hours were spent playing and numerous generations were taught. It was fun had by all. The amount of money didn't matter, it was all about the bragging rights!

Butch had a great love for cheap horses and cheap lawnmowers. He would get lawnmowers that did not run and get them up and running again. He usually had a spare one laying around for parts. A cheap horse deal was right up his alley. He had horses for most all his life. He was one of the few who had been bucked off at least once every decade he lived. He broke his last horse at the age of 71. He was bucked off for the last time a few years later. He got rid of his last two horses a little over a year ago.

Butch saw so many changes in his lifetime. He went from riding horses to school, to being able to screw up a smart phone, ROYALLY! His IT lady has lost her part-time job. He was excellent with engines, not so much with technology.

He later took up carving wood and deer antlers. Most of his family has something that he specifically made for them. He did a really good job for just being self-taught. He used books and magazines to get the colors just right on the animals he created.

Grateful for sharing his life are his children, Chris and Beth Feddersen and Vicki and Marty Jensen; six grandchildren: Erica and Shane Mund, Morgan and Jo Cee Feddersen, Taylor Feddersen, Cooper Feddersen, and Dane and Kaj Jensen; brothers Marvin and Valerie Feddersen, Milton "Shorty" and Judy Feddersen; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harriet and Adolph Feddersen; siblings: Johnny Feddersen, Allen Feddersen, infant brother Roland Feddersen, Yvonne Byrd, and Lyle Feddersen; and special nephew Brian Feddersen.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 219 Murdo, SD 57559.

Visitation will be held 9-10:30 a.m. CST with a prayer service at 10:30 a.m. CST Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Murdo.

Interment will follow the prayer service at the Murdo Cemetery.



VISITATION
Saturday, February 14, 2026
9:00-10:30 a.m. CST
with prayer service at 10:30 a.m. CST
United Methodist Church
Murdo, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Cheryl Nymann

REGISTER BOOK ATTENDANTS
Val Feddersen - Judy Feddersen

USHERS
Tim Byrd - Danny O’Dea

PALLBEARERS
Shane, Morgan, Taylor, Cooper, Dane, and Kaj

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Bill and Jean

INTERMENT
Murdo Cemetery
Murdo, South Dakota

  • Butch was one of the finest men I ever knew. God bless him. ~ Roger Schumacher Sioux Falls, SD (2/13/2026)
  • Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Butch's family. He was such a wonderful guy. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He'll be greatly missed. ~ Mike Cromwell Butternut, Wisconsin (2/12/2026)
  • Butch was one of two people that I entrusted my car to, I'm talking about my 1970 GTO. When Butch took care of the oil change and filled it up, and he kept it as clean as it was when his brand new. His detailing work was second to none. You can tell how good a person is by just looking at his family. I never recalled ever seeing Butch angry, and he would help any person that needed help. Coming back to Murdo will never be the same without Butch. My condolences to his family. ~ John Zaiko Chandler, Arizona (2/12/2026)
  • I was three years ahead of Butch in his sister Yvonne's class, so I was just in school with him for one year but I remember him well as the best-looking boy in school. Later I remember him at Dean's service station which was a hangout of sorts for my Dad. He was a nice guy and by the obituary I can tell he remained one. My consolations go to his kids, nieces and nephews and siblings. I was saddened to see that Yvonne preceded him in death. She was a lovely person and I always loved talking to her. R.I.P.Butch.. ~ Judy Dykstra-Brown San Juan Cosala, Jalisco, Mexico (2/12/2026)
  • So sorry to hear of the passing of my classmate Butch. We had some good times growing up in Murdo. ~ Fred and Kathie Prahl on Lake Poinsett, SD (2/11/2026)
  • So sorry for you loss. ~ John Kerns Mesa, Arizona (2/11/2026)
  • Deepest sympathies to the family. ~ Brenda Polk Huntsville, AL (2/11/2026)
  • Sorry to hear about the passing of Butch. He was a great man who always felt welcome around. A special gift. ~ Sonny Magnuson Rapid City South Dakota (2/11/2026)
  • I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences. ~ Joan Kerns Mitchell, SD (2/11/2026)