Dear Dennis, Janet and Family--So sorry to hear of your loss. What a life your dad had! And so loved. You are all blessed to have had such a man for so long, though it is never long enough. Prayers for all of you.

Posted by Colleen Gustafson on November 9, 2017

Dennis & Janet and family, our sympathy to all of you. Mel sure had a long life, there are a lot of memories for all to share. Thinking of you.

Posted by Stanley & Glenda Matt on November 9, 2017

Dennis,Janet,Girls and families..We share in the loss of your loved one, Mel was a very kind and loving man and led a full life and left many memories to cherish by all who knew him.He was easy to talk too and very interesting.He will be missed but will live on forever in our hearts..Love and Sincere Sympathy To All...Bunk and Lila Batchelder

Posted by goofylila@gmail.com on November 8, 2017

Mr. Fernau and Mom(Rosemary-Zimmerman Huggins) were neighbors at Good Samaritan/New Underwood,SD. Many years earlier in the early 50s Mom taught at New Underwood High and they worked together. She always said that Mr. Fernau could repair everything. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Posted by The Rosemary Zimmerman-Huggins Family on November 8, 2017

The community of New Underwood has lost a wonderful man. Mel was respected by the students of New Underwood. Especially those who got to help him after school.!. God Bless Kathi Deering

Posted by Kathi Deering on November 8, 2017

So sorry for your loss, Dennis and Janet. What a great man!!! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Hal and Leona Oberlander on November 8, 2017

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to family and friends. May all your good memories outweigh your sadness during this difficult time. (Isaiah 25:8)

Posted by Chris C on November 8, 2017

Dennis, Janet and girls, Sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. Please let the prayers of others lift you up and give you strength in your time of sorrow. Sending hugs and prayers to your family. Corinna Thompson, Max and Katrina Thompson, Ty and Riley

Posted by Corinna Thompson on November 8, 2017

So sorry to hear the news. I have known Mel for a long time. I worked a couple of summers with him at NUHS. A real great guy!

Posted by mike madsen on November 7, 2017

Dear Dennis & family, We just want to send our sympathies and prayers your way, and to say that Mel was an absolute inspiration to all that had the privilege to know him. He was an amazing, kind and caring, hard working man, someone this world will miss. We hope that knowing he has entered the very presence of Jesus and his eternal rest will bring great strength, comfort and joy to you all. May God Bless you all Duane & Dawn Filholm

Posted by Duane & Dawn Filholm on November 7, 2017