TOLLEY - Melvin Daniel “Bud” Popinga, 93, lovingly known as Mel or Bud, of rural Donnybrook and Minot, passed away in his sleep on Friday, October 9, 2026, at his home at Somerset Court. 

A devoted husband, father, grandfather/Opi, great-grandfather, farmer and a man of faith, Mel lived a life defined by hard work, perseverance, generosity, and an unwavering love for his family and the land he lived and worked on.  Mel was born on May 31, 1933, on a farm near Tolley, to Daniel and Grace (Helmers) Popinga.  He was the second of four children and graduated from Tolley High School in 1951.  Following graduation, he worked on the family farm, spent about seven years working on the railroad, and later farmed alongside his beloved uncle, Helmer Helmers.  Farming, however, would ultimately become his life’s calling.  Mel was an extremely dedicated son who looked after his mother, Grace, until her dying day.

Around 1965, Mel and his brother, Harvey, began farming together, establishing Popinga Bros. Farm Service, a successful partnership that continued for over 50 years in the Donnybrook area.  He built a reputation as a hardworking, highly-capable farmer who took great pride in his work.  He meticulously kept his equipment running and did most of his own repair work.  His approach to life was: work first, play second and give everything you do your very best. 

In the summer of 1966, Mel met his angel, Ida Sauter, on the neighboring Gerhardt and Elfriede Pagel farm.  A romance sparked and on December 29, 1967, Mel married his dream girl, Ida, in Wesendorf, Germany.  Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and shared values.  Mel and Ida worked hard together and also enjoyed laughing and teasing each other.  Mel took loving care of Ida in her last years with dementia.  Mel was a devoted father to his two children Brandon and Monique.  He was deeply involved in their lives, serving as a coach, mentor, and an example of a man of integrity, strength, humility, and humor.  They attended church together regularly and he was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of their high school sporting events.  Some of the family’s fondest memories were made on the farm gardening, eating Ida's amazing cooking and Dad's grilled fare, going fishing at Lake Darling, and attending church and school events.  Mel was an animal lover who took great pleasure in taking care of animals and pets.  He helped Brandon and Monique raise cattle and ride horseback.  He encouraged their interests and made it possible for them to experience the responsibilities and rewards of farm life.  The family also enjoyed both summer visits from German family as well as travelling overseas often to spend time with Ida's family and Mel's extended family in Ostfriesland.  

Mel was very close to his godson, Dean Popinga. The two enjoyed many German meals, fishing outings, beers, stories, jokes, and laughter over the years.  They could also sit in comfortable silence as true friends.  Dean would drop everything to help Mel whenever needed and took dedicated and loving care of him in his last two months so that Mel could finish his life in North Dakota "where I belong."  

Mel was also deeply committed to his community and faith.  He was an active member and elder at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tolley and served on the Tolley School Board.  His unwavering Christian faith was a comfort and source of strength throughout his life, particularly during health challenges in his later years.  

In 2008, Mel and Ida purchased a winter home in Senoia, Georgia, near Brandon’s family in the Atlanta area.  For 15 winters, they enjoyed escaping the harsh North Dakota winters and spending time with grandchildren.  They travelled often to enjoy time with Monique and Lance's family at the card table and in the mountains of Logan, Utah.  Beyond his work and family, Mel enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and throwing horseshoes.  He loved fixing things and driving his Ford Model A sedan.  

His greatest pleasure and satisfaction was a hard day’s work and he was always willing to lend others a helping hand.  He was a masterful storyteller with a sharp mind and attention to detail.  He could easily describe details from simpler times several decades ago that the grandchildren greatly enjoyed hearing.  Mel was overjoyed to be able to meet his three great-grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Family:  Mel is survived by his children, Brandon (Angella) Popinga and Monique (Lance) Frazier; his grandchildren, Grant (Kali) Popinga, Kylie (Tyler) Popinga Combs, Joshua (Ellis) Burud, Austin (Faiza) Burud, Jaden Frazier, and Max Frazier; his great-grandchildren, Peyton Combs, Camryn Combs, and Beck Popinga; siblings, Betty Johnson, Harvey (Judy) Popinga, and Margaret (Dave) Hall; godson, Dean Popinga; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Melvin was preceded in death by:  His parents, Daniel and Grace Popinga; wife, Ida Popinga; uncle, Helmer Helmers; and aunt, Engel Helmers. 

Funeral:  11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Tolley. 

Burial:  Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery, Tolley. 

Gathering with family:  6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2026, at Somerset Court, Minot.  Friends may also sign the online guestbook at brosefuneralhome.com. 
(Brose Funeral Home, Mohall)