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May 31, 1933-Oct. 9, 2026
Tolley
Melvin Daniel "Bud" Popinga, 93, lovingly known as Mel or Bud, of rural Donnybrook and Minot, passed away in his sleep on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at his home at Somerset Court.
Mel was born on May 31, 1933, on a farm near Tolley, to Daniel and Grace (Helmers) Popinga. He was the second of four children and graduated from Tolley High School in 1951. Following graduation, he worked on the family farm, spent about seven years working on the railroad, and later farmed alongside his beloved uncle, Helmer Helmers. Farming, however, would ultimately become his life's calling.
Around 1965, Mel and his brother, Harvey, began farming together, establishing Popinga Bros. Farm Service, a successful partnership that continued for over 50 years in the Donnybrook area.
In the summer of 1966, Mel met his angel, Ida Sauter, on the neighboring Gerhardt and Elfriede Pagel farm. A romance sparked and on Dec. 29, 1967, Mel married his dream girl, Ida, in Wesendorf, Germany. Mel was a devoted father to his two children Brandon and Monique.
Mel was very close to his godson, Dean Popinga. The two enjoyed many German meals, fishing outings, beers, stories, jokes, and laughter over the years.
He was an active member and elder at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tolley and served on the Tolley School Board. Mel enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and throwing horseshoes. He loved fixing things and driving his Ford Model A sedan. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Family: Mel is survived by his children, Brandon (Angella) Popinga and Monique (Lance) Frazier; his grandchildren, Grant (Kali) Popinga, Kylie (Tyler) Popinga Combs, Joshua (Ellis) Burud, Austin (Faiza) Burud, Jaden Frazier, and Max Frazier; his great-grandchildren, Peyton Combs, Camryn Combs, and Beck Popinga; siblings, Betty Johnson, Harvey (Judy) Popinga, and Margaret (Dave) Hall; godson, Dean Popinga; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Melvin was preceded in death by: His parents, Daniel and Grace Popinga; wife, Ida Popinga; uncle, Helmer Helmers; and aunt, Engel Helmers.
Funeral: 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Tolley.
Burial: Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery, Tolley.
Gathering with family: 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at Somerset Court, Minot. Friends may also sign the online guestbook at brosefuneralhome.com.
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 20, 2026.