Melba L. Caskey

Melba L. Caskey, age 80, of O'Neill, passed away Friday, Feb. 22, 3013, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD.

Visitation was held on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, from 5-8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, at the Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill with Rev. John Ryding officiating. Music was provided by organist,  Janet Grosch.

Pallbearers were Jason Caskey, Seth Pinkerman, Joshua Caskey, Chad Pinkerman, Jay Held and Scott Held.

Honorary pallbearers were Amanda Caskey, Danielle Caskey and Haley Hauenstein.

Burial was in the O'Neill Prospect Cemetery in O'Neill.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of arrangements.

Melba was born on Feb. 19, 1933, in Orchard to LaVern E. and Maggie Mae (Hamilton) Held. She graduated from Creighton High School in 1950. 

She taught country school in the Orchard area before attending beauty school in Norfolk. She graduated from beauty school in 1952. Melba was a beauty operator in Orchard and O'Neill for many years. Later she received her degree in interior design. Melba married LaVern Caskey on Dec. 13, 1953, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Venus.

She was a longtime member of the Christ Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League.

Melba is survived by her husband of 59 years, LaVern; one son, Monte and wife Deb of Fort Collins, CO, and their four children: Jason Caskey and wife Shanel and son Jude, Joshua Caskey and wife Molly, Amanda Caskey and Danielle Caskey; two daughters, Angela Pinkerman and husband Marty of Hastings and their two children: Seth Pinkerman and wife Karissa and Chad Pinkerman; and Sandra Hauenstein and husband Brett of Springfield, VA, and their daughter Haley Hauenstein.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother Lillian Held; brother Vernon Held; sister Doreen Wood and stepbrother Junior Serck.

Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church.