Mel Yerger

It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the death of Mel Yerger, 80, of Billings.

Mel died peacefully at his home in the early hours of Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016. Mel was born on Aug. 22,1936, to Henry and Helen (Diede) Yerger in Billings. He grew up on the family farm west of Billings and attended Baseline School before graduating from Senior High in 1954. Following graduation, Mel joined the army and was stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., as a heavy weapons infantryman. Shortly after, he returned to Billings, he started working at the United States Postal Service as a postal carrier. After 35 years of service, he retired as the Manager of Delivery and Collection in 1993. Mel met the love of his life, Frankie, and together they blended their families with their daughters, Kathy, Karen, Kerri and Debi. Four short years later, they had Kim, and Mel never stood a chance with all the girls in the house.

When he was younger, Mel was an excellent bowler and participated in leagues every Tuesday and Friday night. He was also an avid softball player and played first base until a knee injury caused him to give up the sport. However, his favorite pastime was fishing in Cooke City. Many wonderful days were spent catching trout from Kersey Lake. It was never dull when he and Frankie had to convince the girls to reel their lines in rather than running up the hill to drag their fish to shore. Later, Mel spent time fishing with his grandkids on the Clarks Fork River. As he sat on this favorite fishing rock, he would tell them stories of times when he and his father sat on the very same rock. This same tradition will continue with Mel's great-grandchildren. Mel also loved the many dogs he had over the years and the smiles they brought him. Mel was known for his quick wit and sense of humor.

Mel is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Helen Yerger; and his brother, Ken Yerger.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Frankie; his daughters, Kathy, Karen, Kerri (Gary) Morris, Debi (Wade) Orelup and Kim (Stewart) Anthony; his grandchildren, Mike (Adrian) Charles, Kristen (Tyler) Niemeir, Gairrett Orelup, Brian Morris, Keith Morris, Amber (Collin) Johnson, Ashley Anthony, Brittany Charles; and his great-grandchildren Brynlee, Antonio and Stella.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at American Lutheran Church, 5 Lewis Ave. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens with military honors and a reception will follow the burial back at American Lutheran Church.