Mel Schuchard

Melvin “Mel” Schuchard, age 81, of Milbank, SD, passed away on November 12, 2022, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday evening, beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by a prayer vigil at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday one hour prior to the Mass. Father Gary DeRouchey will celebrate the Mass and interment will be at Milbank Cemetery.

Melvin James Schuchard was born July 25, 1941, in Stockholm, SD, to Charles and Irene (Mathias) Schuchard.  Mel lived in Milbank until the age of six, when the family moved to Stockholm.  Mel graduated from Strandburg High School in 1959.  He worked for a short time at Valley Queen Cheese Factory until he joined the Air Force in January of 1960.  He was honorably discharged in 1964.  He lived in Mississippi for a short time before returning to South Dakota in the Fall of 1964.  He, again, worked at Valley Queen and later worked for Sterner Industries.  Mel married Barbara Dotson on February 14, 1965, and three sons were born to this union.  They later divorced.

The family moved to Winterset, IA. Mel reenlisted with the Iowa National Guard and was employed by them in Des Moines.  He remained in this job until his retirement in 1985.  Mel retired from the Guard as a Master Sergeant.  Mel returned to Milbank in 1987 and became the life partner of Linda M. Morton until his death.

Mel was a Vietnam Veteran.  He enjoyed working in his gardens and doing woodworking.

Left to cherish his memory are his life partner, Linda of Milbank, SD; two sons: Dan (Tammi) Schuchard of Des Moines, IA; and Michael (Sarah) Schuchard of Colorado Springs, CO; stepson: Stacy (Jessica) Morton of Milbank, SD; stepdaughter: Sheila Stodolski of Milbank, SD; grandchildren: Christine Schuchard (Josh) of Des Moines, IA; Ella, Jack, Paul, and John Schuchard of Colorado Springs, CO; Preston, Hillary, and Addy Morton of Milbank, SD; Chris and Katie Stodolski of Milbank, SD; Jeff (Jamie) Malsom of Aberdeen, SD; great-granddaughters: Shealyn and Tessa Robben of Des Moines, IA.  Mel is also survived by one sister, Faye Lee of Veblen, SD; many nieces and nephews; and many long and loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Vincent Schuchard; sister, Fern Larson; and brother, Roy Schuchard.