Memorial services for Scott James Melling, age 49, of Lodgepole, SD will be at 2 pm Monday, October 20, 2008 at the Hettinger Lutheran Church with Pastor Kathleen Dettmann, officiating.


Scott James Melling was born on January 20, 1959 in Bowman, ND to Irving "Sonny" and Leona (Goplin) Melling. He attended Hettinger High School and graduated in 1977. Scott attended North Dakota State School of Science where he graduated in 1979 with a degree in computer programming. Shortly following his graduation, he returned to Hettinger to resume his career in farming and ranching with his father and grandfather, Harry Goplin.


Scott began dating his future wife, Robyn Berg, in 1987. Upon the death of his grandfather in January of 1988, Scott, purchased the Goplin Ranch and assumed the day to day operations of the farm. He continued to live and work there until his death. Scott and Robyn were united in marriage on October 11, 1993. To this union two children were born: John James on March 24, 1994 and Michael Joseph on October 21, 1996. His greatest joys in his life were his two sons.


Scott enjoyed snowmobiling and riding motorcycle. He was an excellent cook and avid foosball player. Scott loved to put a smile on everyone's face during the Christmas Holidays, and scare the daylights out of all of his family on the 4th of July. Most of all, Scott loved to farm and ranch. He will be truly missed by all of those that knew him and loved him.


Scott passed away October 16, 2008 at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger.


Grateful for having shared his life are his sons, John James and Michael Joseph Melling, Williston, ND; two sisters, Pamela and children Alexis and her son Kaden, Jeremy, and Hannah Hall, all of Aurora CO, and Kim Melling, Hettinger, ND; niece Erin Melling, Belle Fourche, SD; and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.


Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Sonny and Leona Melling; grandparents, Peter and Bertha Melling and Harry and Agnes Goplin; and many aunts and uncles.


A memorial has been established.


Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.