Melvin Eugene Laeger, 96, of Bayard, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Skyview Care and Rehabilitation Center in Bridgeport. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, at Cornerstone Fellowship in Bayard with Pastor Larry Russel officiating. Burial follow at the Bayard Cemetery with the rendering of Military Funeral Honors. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at Cornerstone Fellowship. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designations. Fond memories and condolences may be shared online at www.dugankramer.com. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Melvin was born March 1, 1928, in Berea, NE, to Alva and Leona Laeger. While in high school, he registered for the draft as all bodied men did to ready for service to their country during WWII. He however was too young and the war ended with the defeat of Germany and the capitulation of Japan in Sept. of 1945. Unfortunately many of his senior classmates never returned. After graduation, he worked at MooMaw’s Corner from 1945-1950 cutting potato seeds and sewed bags. The following summer he took college classes at Scottsbluff College. He had only been teaching one semester when the US Army drafted him for eventual service in the Korean conflict. He proudly served from Jan. 11, 1951 through Oct. 10, 1952 with extensive time spent as a forward observer with a motor platoon in Korea. His military experience was a topic he didn’t talk much about until later in life. However; it was later discovered while serving in Korea, Sergeant Melvin Laeger, was awarded two Bronze service stars for heroism and various other service metals and accommodations. Melvin’s service to his country was completed at Fort Carson in Colorado.
Upon his discharge from the Army and return to civilian life he came home to the Bayard area where he completed his education taking summer classes at Chadron State College for many years to become a certified school teacher. He had taught at Hope School, Fairview 50, and Highland School in Scottsbluff County and District 73 and Angora School in Morrill County. After 40 years he retired in 1990.
He was married, May of 1956, to his wife Janice for 65 years. In 1962, Melvin purchased the property he called home for 62 years north of Bayard. He made many improvements to the property and raised five daughters all while teaching elementary school, coaching sports, raising registered Black Angus cattle, and putting up hay and alfalfa to make a good life and living. He was involved with the VFW, antiquing, playing cards, traveling and loved HIS Cornhusker sports.
Melvin is survived by his five daughters and spouses: Kimberly & Mitchell Humphrey, Kathy Laeger, Karen & Ty King, Kristi & Ralph Lawler, Kande & Jeff Hack; grandchildren: Korey McMurtry, Tyler & Brittany Humphrey, Robert King, Amber & Mike Timme, Brandt & Jessica Humphrey, Darren Lawler, Morgan and Lane Turner, & Jeremy Lawler; great-grandsons: Kaliber King & Axel Humphrey; sibling Alvera Brening, brothers-in-law Harry Brown, George Kaufman, & Don Roth; sisters-in-law Loretta Roth, Joyce Brown, Eldrie Frank, Colleen Laeger, & Sandra Howard and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice, parents Alva and Leona Laeger, siblings Paul, Agnes Buskirk, Ruth and Duane Laeger, and grandson Keith McMurtry.