RAPID CITY- Milbert G. "Mel" Hoff, 87, passed away peacefully at Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary Hospice House in Rapid City on Friday, December 20, 2013. Mel was born June 6, 1926 to Jacob and Lydia (Arnold) Hoff on their farm West of Eureka. He attended the local country school along with his siblings and many cousins, sometimes being taught by his sister, Hilda. While continuing at Eureka High School, he worked for Joe Bender and learned the basics of business and saving. His motto was "take care of the pennies, the nickels will take care of themselves." Mel and Jenell have lived by that rule for 59 years. Mel and Jenell were married November 27, 1954 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Dovray, Minnesota, having met in Minneapolis. Mel had already been in the Air Force for four years and made the decision to re-enlist. 23 years and many moves later they settled in Rapid City after living in Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, Italy and Great Britain. Mel was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Ida Diegel, Christine Wolfer; Ann Obenauer, and Hilda Jones; brothers: Rueben Hoff, Ervin Hoff, Clarence Hoff, and Herman Hoff. He is survived by his wife, Jenell, Rapid City; brothers: Alton (Cheri) Hoff, Aberdeen; and Jake (Sandi) Hoff, Chippewa Falls, WI and many beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at the funeral home with Pastor David Fagrey officiating. Interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery, near Sturgis.