Wallace Melby

WALLACE “WALLY” GENE MELBY was born on December 9, 1931 to Bennett and Ella (Arndt) Melby near Lake Cochrane in Gary, South Dakota. The family then moved to the Pipestone, MN area. Wally graduated from Pipestone High School in 1950. After graduation he enlisted in the Army National Guard. Wally married his sweetheart, Lorraine Van Leirsburg on February 7, 1953 in Jasper, MN. Throughout the years, Wally worked various professions, including agricultural sales. Wally and Lorraine were blessed with four children, Deb, Rick, Randy and Ron. The couple lived in Fairfax, MN from 1963 to 1977 where all of their kids graduated from high school. The couple moved into Pipestone in 1977 and Wally continued to farm the family land until his retirement. Wally continued to live at home until his failing health caused him to move to the Pipestone County Hospice House. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at the age of 86 years, seven months, and five days.

Wally was a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Pipestone. In the community, Wally was a member of the VFW, a member of the gaming committee, Knights of Columbus, and the Pipestone Booster Club. Wally loved sports, especially baseball and golf. As a baseball player, Wally was inducted into the Minor League Baseball Hall of Fame. His love for golf lead Wally to win club championships at various country clubs. Although Wally enjoyed his outdoor activities, nothing brought Wally more joy than spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his buddy Alex.

Wally is lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Lorraine; four children, Debra Walters of Sioux Falls, SD, Rick (Deb) Melby of Flandreau, SD, Randy (Bette) Melby of Montevideo, MN, and Ron Melby and friend Carmen of Kasota, MN; six grandchildren, Chad Walters, Ryan Melby, Malissa Rosendahl, Jeremy Melby, Rhea Melby, and Anna Melby; ten great-grandchildren; and many other loving friends and family members. Wally was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Schroeder; two brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and his parents.