Melvin Carl Uphoff

Melvin Carl Uphoff, age 85, passed away at home in Elwood, Nebraska, on Sunday, July 10, 2022. Known for his funny stories and rain amount posts on Facebook, his kindness and generosity, and his love for family, friends, and animals Mel will be missed by all who knew him. He was born January 16, 1937 to Carl and Beth (Chapman) Uphoff. He grew up in North Platte, Nebraska. After attending his first branding as a young boy he came home and fashioned a branding iron out of a coat hanger and attempted to brand all of the neighborhood cats. In high school he began his first dance band, once broke his arm high jumping, and began his career in radio broadcasting after graduation. While serving as a deejay for a dance, he met Doris Reigle and their romance began. After their marriage, Mel went in to the US Army and during this time, their oldest daughter Carla was born. Two years later, younger daughter Cyndi was born. Mel and Doris moved to Chadron when he was discharged then a couple of years later they moved to Lexington where they lived until moving to Elwood several years ago. During his career he worked as a radio broadcaster then a feed and animal health salesman. People still remember his name from being the farm director at KRVN. Many also remember him as lead singer of the Country Lads which played for hundreds of dances through the years. Always an animal lover, he and Doris primarily raised horses, which they showed at Appaloosa, Quarter, Paint, and 4H shows for many years, and Boer goats; but they also had chickens, hogs, calves, sheep, and many cats and dogs. Since retirement, he's enjoyed his Empty Nest chicken egg business, reading prolifically, and watching sports on tv. The internet and Facebook, was Mel's connection to the world and he loved visiting with his friends on there – many of which he never met in person. Mel is survived by daughter Carla and husband Dennis Tjaden of Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Sioux City, Iowa; daughter Cyndi and husband Kevin Hamburger of Sioux City, Iowa; granddaughter Jessica and husband Jeff Squier of South Sioux City, Nebraska, and their children Quinncy and Messer; grandson Justin Tjaden and wife Hannah of Geneva, Ohio; granddaughter Emily Hamburger of Lincoln, Nebraska; granddaughter Anna Hamburger of Sioux City, Iowa; and granddaughter Isabel Hamburger of New York City, New York. Sister-in- law Kay Uphoff of Lincoln, Nebraska, sister-in-law, Marjorie Pearson, of Mullen, Nebraska. Many nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris, parents Carl and Beth; in-laws Ray and Myrtle Reigle; brother-in- law Donald Pearson; and brother Milt Uphoff. There will be no viewing or visitation. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 11 am at Elwood United Methodist Church in Elwood, Nebraska with Pastor Sarah Neben, officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska at 2:00 pm. Elwood Funeral Home of Elwood, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.