Melvin Schatz, 73, Mobridge, SD, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Mobridge Regional Hospital.

Melvin was born January 7, 1947, the son of Jacob and Lydia (Forderer) in Linton, ND.  He attended grade school in Temvik, ND and later graduated from Linton High School.  While in high school Melvin enjoyed playing basketball and was the President of FFA.  He then moved to the farm where he milked cows and later worked at various grain and feed facilities.

In 1996 he married Ethel "Tess" Thompson.  Melvin possessed a strong work ethic and would travel in the worst weather to make it to his jobs.  His life was full of love for his work and love for his family and friends.  He loved kids, especially his grandchildren.  He loved taking family vacations which would include going to watch the pro wrestling matches in Bismarck with his son Mike and nephew in law Taylor Weninger.  He filled his life winning trophies in horseshoe and bowling tournaments while listening to country music, watching western films, and going to movies with Mike.  He loved animals too, especially his best friend Schatzee, his dog.  He took care of and fed the feral neighborhood cats.

He was a member of the Moose in Mobridge and was a regular at card night there.  He was also the Vice President of Congregation of Sacred Word Lutheran Church in Mobridge.

Melvin was beloved by his Thompson relatives and friends that he gained through this union with Tess.  "Uncle Mel", "Grandpa Mel" played a giant part in the lives of anyone calling him by those names.  The entire Thompson family loved Mel and he fit right into the family being known for his awesome humor and his new jokes as he never told the same one twice.  Mel and Tess's life would be filled with music and laughter.  They would go see the Thompson cousins' country band The Strangers every time they could.  Their house was always a favorite for our family to visit especially during the kid loved holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and the 4 ^th of July.  That began a favorite tradition of Mike coming back to visit and light fireworks with his cousins.  His friendship with his sister and brothers in law were deep and meaningful along with the respect and caring he showed his late mother in law Phoebe Thompson.  The 29 years Mel has shared with Tess have truly been a blessing for the Thompson family that will be forever kept in our hearts.  We definitely loved and will dearly miss you Mel.

Melvin is survived by his wife Ethel "Tess"; children, Bryan (Nadine Held) Schatz, Linton, Mike Schatz, Bismarck, Melissa Curtis, Arkansas; grandchildren, McKenzie, Dylan, Madison, Nathan, Aden, Missy (Daniel), Willy, Garrett, Kaleigh, Lily; great-grandchild, Johnnie; sister, Virginia Will, Bismarck; Niece and Nephew, Sharon (Marcus) Jackson, Steven Will; great nieces and nephew, Benjamin and MiKayla, and Emily.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Niece, Tammy Josephson; brother-in-law, Edward Will; brothers-in-law, Vincent, Butch and Dallas Thompson.