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 able-bodied men did to ready for service to their country during WWII. He was too young, however, 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, Melvin worked at MooMaw’s Corner from 1945-1950 cutting potato seeds and sewing 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-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 that while serving in Korea, Sergeant Melvin Laeger was awarded two Bronze service stars for heroism and various other service medals 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 married in May of 1956, 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, and Kande (Jeff) Hack; grandchildren: Korey McMurtry,Tyler and Brittany Humphrey, Robert King, Amber and Mike Timme, Brandt and Jessica Humphrey, Darren Lawler, Morgan and Lane Turner, and Jeremy Lawler; great-grandsons: Kaliber King and Axel Humphrey; sibling Alvera Brening, brothers-in-law Harry Brown, George Kaufman, and Don Roth; sisters-in-law Loretta Roth, Joyce Brown, Eldrie Frank, Colleen Laeger, and 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.