Melvin Hermanson, 96, beloved patriarch, died on June 5, 2011 in Rapid City. Melvin was born on March 30, 1915 to Marie and Lewis Hermanson in Brookings, South Dakota. The second of eight children, Melvin attended school through the 8th grade and worked the family farm. In 1933, at the age of 18, Melvin enlisted into the Civilian Conservation Corps and was stationed first at Rochford and later at Fort Meade. The CCCs were a pivotal organization in Melvins young life, providing memories and friendships that lasted decades to come. Melvin donated funds for the statue that stands at CCC museum in Hill City and remembered that time in his life with amazing clarity and detail until the very end. In 1939, Melvin married Marthleen (Marty) Horton and in 1940 purchased a store on Rushmore Road in Rapid City. Hermansons Food Market was in the family for over 40 years. Melvin was a natural entrepreneur, owning numerous businesses in Rapid City over the years. Melvin lived a good life he was always happyalways kept busy; kept his mind alert and challenged; golfed and gardened into his 90s; and loved the hustle and bustle of family around. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rapid City and has spent the winters in Sun City, Arizona since the 1970s. Melvin is preceded in death by his wife, Marty, his sons Edwin and Glenn, and his second wife, Polly. He is survived by his sons Paul Hermanson, of Phoenix and Gary Hermanson, of Rapid City; grandchildren Michele Hermanson Chaves, Lisa Roberts, Edward Hermanson, Glenn Hermanson, John Hermanson, Jamie Hermanson and Austin Hudson, great-grandchildren Myah Roberts, Brynn Roberts and Annie Chaves and a sister, Marian Haugen. Visitation will be on Friday, June 10, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Wilbur Holz officiating. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church Radio Broadcast.