Melvin “Mick” Pappa, 63, Stanley, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, south of Tioga, of an apparent heart attack while driving an oil field transport truck.

Melvin Arthur Pappa (better known as Mick or Micky to family and friends, or Mel to those at work), was born April 18, 1945, at Stanley to Vernon and Lillie Pappa. He was the fourth of their eight children and grew up on the family farm north of Ross. No view was prettier to Mick than the hills of the home place and he never lost his love for them.

After working in Michigan and Montana for a number of years, Mick returned to the family farm in 1969. He farmed and ranched for several years before attending saddle-making and horse-shoeing schools in Whitewood, SD.

He owned and operated Mel’s Saddlery in Stanley for a time and also drove bus for the Stanley School. Mick started driving truck in the mid 1970’s. He drove for several different oil companies, and owned his own truck for a time. At the time of his death, he was driving for Plains Marketing, for whom he had worked for many years.

Mick married Linda Rasmussen Mork on Dec. 23, 1980, in Stanley. He loved making her happy and was a devoted husband and father. When Linda lost her battle with cancer, he took up the role for both parents. Mick loved his daughters and grandchildren deeply. They were the center of his life.

Mick liked a hot cup of coffee, a cold beer, and a good story. He loved his family and friends. He especially enjoyed a big family gathering or the chance to help at a branding.

Mick always joked that he wanted to be cowboy when he got big. In truth, he was a cowboy in the best sense of the word. He was at home on a horse, and spent many happy hours riding and roping with friends. Riding and roping was a hobby he loved.

Mick is survived by his daughters: Katie Pappa, Sidney, Mt.; Brenda (Dennis) Nielsen, Stanley; Carrie (Donald) Giese, Stanley; grandchildren: Alyssa, Angela and Alex Nielsen, and David, Jasmyn and Quentin Giese; brothers: William (Margo), Laguna Hills, Calif.; Dale ( Debbie), Ross; Bob ( Loretta), Champlin, Minn.; sisters: Sharon ( Lyle) Holland, Stanley; Sandy (Gary) McGinnity, Powers Lake; and Denise Pappa, Stanley; and many nieces and nephews and their familes.

Funeral: American Lutheran Church, Stanley, on Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at 11 a.m.

Visitation: Thursday from 9 a.m. 6 p.m.at Springan Funeral Home, Stanley.