Melvin Eilts

Dates

Obituary

Melvin Eilts, 88, of Spencer, SD, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2026, at Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, July 17, at First Baptist Church in Emery, SD, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Emery Community Cemetery in Emery, SD.

A live stream of Melvin’s funeral service can be viewed at: https://youtube.com/@fbcemery2139?si=ksVFKUJyP4PgmQCj

Melvin Charles Eilts Sr. was born on October 23, 1937, to Edwin and Myrtle (Lienemann) Eilts. He was born in a house north of Spencer, SD, along the Plano Road. Melvin graduated from Spencer High School in 1955. He was in the National Guard from 1957-1964. On June 7, 1958, Melvin married the love of his life, Betty Heronimus. They rented a farm northeast of Spencer until 1960, when they bought the farm 2 miles north of Spencer. Melvin & Betty lived on that farm for the next 64 years. Melvin lived the past two years at Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater, SD. Melvin was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer. He remained an active member for the first 35 years of his married life, then joined St. Paul’s Presbyterian in Emery.

Melvin and Betty had five children, Kristine, Kathleen, Melvin Jr. (Chuck), Troy, and Melody (Dodi). Melvin took great pride and joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He especially enjoyed times that his five children sang together, joining them on a few occasions. 

Despite being a very busy and successful farmer, Melvin always made it to church services. He always “dressed up” for church. Through the years, Melvin enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, golfing, playing cards, dancing, and the friends he made through these hobbies. 

After they retired from farming, Betty and Melvin would winter in Texas and made some lifelong friends. Melvin missed very few of the Spencer Alumni Banquets, and he was fortunate to be able to attend this past May. Melvin especially enjoyed his games of cribbage while at DCC. Melvin will be remembered at DCC for praying before meals and singing hymns for the residents. We are so thankful for the love and care the workers at DCC gave our parents.

Left to cherish Melvin’s memory are his children Kris (Kim) Heitzman, Kathy (Dennis) Liesinger, Chuck (Brenda) Eilts, Troy (Tonya) Eilts, & Dodi (Jason) Bailey; grandchildren, Melanie (Shawn) Johnson, Seth (Cory) Heitzman, Wade (Sandy) Heitzman, Michelle (Brandon) Steele, Sara (Tim) Petersen, Elizabeth (Chris) Weber, Crystal (Sam) Kezar, Margaret (Justin) Aylward, Charles (Jessica) Liesinger, Ryan (Lindsay) Eilts, Nicholas (Dimka) Eilts, Christopher (Natalie Gates) Driscoll, Nathanael (Kylie) Anderberg, Nahum Anderberg, Jonah Bailey, Peyton Bailey, Libby (Max) Nickerson, and Hunter Bailey; 39 great grandchildren;  siblings, Leonard Eilts, Larry  Eilts, and Peggy Wubben; brother-in-laws, Jim Heronimus and Richard Naser; sister-in-law, Carol (Ron) Olthoff; along with many nieces, nephews, foreign exchange students, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; parents; parents-in-law; granddaughter, Jennifer Cook; sisters-in-law, Arlys and Charlotte Eilts, Sharol Naser, Bonnie (Bob) Beaudoin, and Sally Heronimus; brother-in-law, Jon Wubben.

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