Melvin R. "Si" Simon, 93, Sturgis, died Friday, Nov. 10, at the Sturgis Regional Hospital.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Keith Nelson officiating. Inurnment will be Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at the Black Hills National Cemetery with the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard providing military honors.

Si was born in Menno, S.D., on June 13, 1913, to Otto E. and Lydia (Donner) Simon. Prior to the outbreak of WW II, Si worked as a projectionist at the family owned Roxy Theatre of Menno.

He was an Army veteran who served as the sergeant for a heavy machine gun platoon in "D" Company, 1st Infantry, 6th Division in New Guinea where he saw over 300 days of continuous combat duty. He also served in the Philippine Islands and the Hawaiian Islands.

Si and the former Patricia Arrundale were married May 10, 1947. They moved to Deadwood shortly after their marriage. Si worked as the manager of a finance company for many years. In the fall of 1969, Si and Pat purchased the Sunnyside Motel on upper Main Street in Deadwood which they operated until they retired in 1980. Since that time they have lived in Sturgis.

Si was an avid reader who enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies in his younger years including hunting and fishing, golf, boating, photography, carpentry and traveling in an RV with Pat.

Si is survived by Pat, his wife of 59 years. He is also survived by two daughters, Capt. Lynn Simon, SC, USN, Ret and her husband Capt. Gary Averett, SC, USN, Ret of Tucson, Ariz., Wanda Hansen and her husband Gerald of Rapid City; and one granddaughter, Cassy Hansen of Rapid City.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Luella Simon of Sioux Falls.

A memorial has been established to the Sturgis Ambulance Department.