Melvin Richard Nygaard, 75, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away on May 19, 2019, in Omaha, NE.

Melvin was born August 11, 1943, in Faith, SD, to Elmer and Nina Nygaard and attended elementary school in Igloo, SD.  While attending middle and high school in Hot Springs he excelled at athletics and played football, track and basketball.  After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Chadron State College in 1967, he served in the U.S. Army, in Vietnam.  While serving he was injured during battle, receiving the Purple Heart.  Melvin was honorably discharged in 1969.

Melvin married Margaret (Lee) Nygaard in 1969, raising 5 children in and around the Hot Springs area.  Mel retired from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center after working as an accountant for over 40 years.  After retirement he fulfilled his dream of caring for horses and driving teams for his friends, Jim and Dennis Quivey.  One of Mel's favorite pastimes was spending time with his grandsons, Nicholas and Isaiah, while attending their sporting events.  Mel moved to Omaha in January of 2019, to be closer to his daughter, Patricia DeHaai and family, who loved him dearly.  While there Mel made some wonderful new friends.

Mel is survived by his daughter, Patricia (Darby) DeHaai of Omaha, SD and their sons,  Nicholas and Isaiah; niece, Nyna Nygaard of Hot Springs; and many friends and neighbors.

Committal services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 31, 2019, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial services will be held 2:30 p.m., Friday, May 31, 2019, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.