Melvin Geiger

Mel Geiger, 81, Minot, long-time area business owner, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in a Minot hospital.

Melvin “Mel” Geiger was born on April 27, 1942, a son of Matt and Rose (Hellman) Geiger in Mott, ND. He was raised and educated in Mandan.

On July 21, 1962, Mel was united in marriage to Karen Kay Mosbrucker in Center, ND. The couple lived in various locations in North Dakota, Montana and Colorado, as Mel worked within the construction industry. In 1971, they settled in Minot, where he owned and operated several various businesses over the years including Mel’s Concrete, and most recently in partnership with his son operating Dean’s Excavating. Karen Kay passed away on August 2, 1992. Following her passing, Mel continued to live in Minot.

He enjoyed driving trucks and equipment for Dean’s Excavating Company, the outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting, and traveling. His family was very important to him, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand or advice.

Mel enjoyed spending his days with Ardelle, Shawn and Dean, working on projects, making sausage, and finding any reason to spend time with friends and family. His presence lit up a room, he was charismatic, spontaneous and always up for an adventure. Everybody liked Mel. He didn’t go out his way to make friends or to make someone like him. He was just himself and that was enough.

He and Karen enjoyed traveling the US, camping, and late night card games. Although he will be deeply missed, we know his is now playing Canasta and having a Bud light with Karen.

Mel was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

He is survived by children, Ardelle (Duane) Biewer, Rhonda Geiger, Shawn Geiger; grandchildren, Dean Geiger, Amanda Johnson, Ashley (Brandon) Nordstrom, Farah (Jesse) Hystad; great-grandchildren, Alayna Geiger, Kendlee Nordstrom, Logan Geiger, Slade Nordstrom, Laramie Hystad, Corban Hystad; siblings, William (Minnie) Geiger, Lorraine (Johnny) Landeis, Daniel (Karen) Geiger, Viola (Robert) Stein; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents Matt and Rose Geiger, wife Karen Kay, brothers William and Daniel, and sister Viola.

Visitation: Monday, May 15, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Monday, May 15, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at the link on Mel’s page at www.thompsonlarson.com.

Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 13, 2023.