Mel Rodenburg, 95, passed away on July 16, 2026 at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem.

Mel D. Rodenburg was born February 6th, 1931 in Emmons County, ND to Andy and Johanna (Van Beek) Rodenburg. He attended rural school and graduated from Strasburg High School. After graduation he served stateside in the Korean War for two years. He attended NDSU graduating with a degree in AG Education in 1958. He taught VoAg in Lamoure, ND for 5 years.

In September of 1953, Mel married Doris Ann Droog, together they raised four children- DeEtta, Carla, Barbara and Alan. In 1963 the family moved to Beulah, ND where Mel became branch manager for Farm Credit Services (Formerly the PCA). In 1982 they made the move to Sterling where Mel farmed for 15 years before retiring to Bismarck, ND. Mel and Doris moved into Elm Crest Manor of New Salem, Mel spent his last 3 years here.

The family would like to acknowledge Elm Crest Manor and send a heartfelt thank you to them. We would like to especially thank the staff for all the care as well as the love they showed both Doris & Mel during their time at Elm Crest. It did our hearts good to know how many people loved our parents each and every day. Sanford Hospice also deserves a special thank you for the exceptional care they extended Mel as the end neared.

Mel was proceeded in death by his lovely wife of 70 years Doris, his parents as well as three siblings.

He is survived by his four children DeEtta (Jerome) Ziegler, Carla (Dale) Wilson, Barbara Voegele, Alan (Fran) Rodenburg; 10 grandchildren, Nathan (Jessica) Ziegler, Ammie (Scott) Reule, Jenna Morast-Reiser, Jayme (Nathan) Wolf, Jerrica Morast, Sarah (Jon) Kolberg, Tina Voegele, Andrew (Sarah) Rodenburg, Annah (Clark) Preszler, Alexa (Matt) Frank, as well as 17 great grand kids.

Visitation will be on Sunday July 26th, 2026 from 5-7:00 PM at Eastgate Funeral Service 3117 E. Century Avenue.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday July 27th, 2026 at Eastgate Funeral Service.

Burial will take place at 1 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.