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Melvin "Butch" Feddersenof Murdo, South Dakota , died on Sunday, February 8, 2026
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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