Melvin S. Breyfogle

Melvin S. Breyfogle, the son of Merle and Emma (Sins) Breyfogle, was born February 10, 1926, in Alta, Iowa. Melvin passed away peacefully at his home, on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Estherville, Iowa, at the age of 90.

He received his education in the Alta schools, graduating from Alta High School in 1943. Melvin served as an Electricians Mate in the United States Navy aboard the USS Laws in the South Pacific during WW II.

In 1946, he was united in marriage to Betty Lee Bevins. The couple moved to Estherville in 1947 and Melvin owned and operated Brey’s Radio for 69 years. Betty Lee died in 1993.

Melvin was a member of the American Legion as well as several Amateur Radio organizations.

Melvin’s interest in radios began as a boy and at age 12 he built a tube radio from salvaged parts and junk batteries. He said his interest in radios grew after this first success when this one tube radio pulled in London, England.

In about 1953 Melvin was encouraged to become an Amateur Radio operator by local Hams who helped him in testing and certification. He repaid this help over the rest of his life by helping others gain certification and often donating used equipment to get them started. He was recognized as a 60 year member of the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL), in 2013.

The simple radio shop grew in the post war 1950’s to include TV’s, both black and white and later color, as well as communication equipment for fire and police vehicles. He also provided over 50 years of service to the Estherville Airport navigation equipment.

Left to cherish Melvin’s memory are his children, David, Dan (Sandy), Douglas, five grandchildren: Kirsten (Doug) Prinn, Brian and Gary Breyfogle, Mindy (Jeff) Griffith, and Christopher Breyfogle; four great-grandchildren; Jared, Jace, and Evan Griffith, Jack Prinn.

Preceding Melvin in death are parents; wife; brother Donald; and his son Dale (2014).

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you direct memorials to The First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 205 North 7th Street, Estherville, IA 51334.