Merle Edward Vig was born July 25, 1936, in Faith, SD. He was the second of five children born to Cecil and Edith (Weiss) Vig, and was raised on the family ranch in Opal, SD. Elementary education included Vig School, Cecil Vig home, and Tama School. Merle attended Faith High School for three years and graduated from Newell High School.
After high school, Merle worked on the ranch and started hay moving and dirt moving businesses. Merle invented the chain bed stackmover, which, eventually, he mounted onto a Mack truck.
Merle was a radio communication enthusiast and was proud of his pilot's credentials. He was also involved with the SD Pilot's Association. He enjoyed playing saxophone and harmonica.
On May 22, 1965, Merle married Adelia Heitz. To this union, four children were born: Darrell, Dale, Denise, and Dean.
In 1966, Vig Manufacturing, later becoming Vig's Reddi-Mix, was established and was operated for 50 years. Highlights include the invention of the "Dakota Mudslinger," a self-manufactured trencher, and a self-manufactured haygrinder.
Summer of 1989, Merle was involved with the SD Centennial Wagon Train and thoroughly enjoyed himself. Merle was involved with Opal Community Church for many years.
Merle, 82, Opal, died Tuesday, August 14, 2018, in Rapid City.
Merle is survived by the mother of their children, Adelia Vig of Montana; sons, Darrell (Tammy) Vig of Opal, SD, Dale (Sheila) Vig [military assignment], and Dean (Elizabeth) Vig of Montana; daughter, Denise Meyer; sisters, Faith (Ronald) Miller of Mud Butte, SD, Hope Vig of Opal, SD, and Rose Tysdal of Florida; brother, Dwayne (Zona) Vig of Opal, SD; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Edith Vig.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 21, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at the Faith Community Center. Burial will follow at the Opal Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to donate to: Opal Volunteer Fire Department, Opal Hall, or Opal Community Church.

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