George R. Mellinger

George Rolland “Rollie” Mellinger, 92, passed on Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 10, from 5-7pm at Asper/Pondera Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Saturday, June 11, at 2pm at Conrad First Presbyterian Church.

George was born south of the town of Sidney, on a small farm along Lone Tree Creek on September 19, 1929 to George Ross and Silver Mae (Young) Mellinger. He started school in North Dakota and went on to go to school at Mount Pleasant School by Sidney, Crowe School on Fairfield Bench and finally graduating eighth

grade from Simms. World War II had started and there were plenty of jobs, so George never went back to school. He worked on the family farm, especially when his brother was drafted into the service. He would work the winters on cattle ranches in Harlowton. George worked for a pole company in Sulpher Springs, MT until 1950 when he rented land to farm himself, still helping with the family farm.

In April 1951 at the age of 21, George was drafted in the US Army. During his service, he had Combat MP Training and was part of a duty that tested A-bombs. George was honorably discharged April 25, 1953.

Later that year George and brother, Duane, came to Conrad to find work. After a short time with the State Highway Department, he found work in East Glacier with a seismograph outfit and surveyor.

George would find himself in Gillette, WY were he worked and found the love of his life, Sally Whisler. They married on March 22, 1956 in Conrad and he worked for Sun River Electric Coop, where he remained for over thirty three years. In 1989 George took early retirement and made farming his only job.

George and Sally enjoyed their country life and with their family, Donna Jean, Steven Rolland, Todd Ashton, and Shawn Ross. All was well, until the sudden death of their son, Shawn, in 1975. Later Sally would pass in May 1987.

George was able to travel and help with the farm while battling his own health issues. He would tell you that he had a good life!

Survivors include daughter, Donna (John); sons, Steve (Shellie), Todd (Patty); sister-in-law, Betty Mellinger; grandchildren, Mandy, Trinity, Matt, Luke, Kevin, Shawn, Ross, Samantha; 16 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by wife of 31 years, Sally; son, Shawn; 9 brothers and sisters.

Memorials can be made to Conrad First Presbyterian Church.