Melven Jay Pfaff, 77, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the Veterans Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Melven was born on October 4, 1947 in Chariton, Iowa to Rupert J. Pfaff and Gladys "Irene" (Tigner) Pfaff.  He attended Indianola High School graduating in 1965.

In September of 1967, Melven enlisted in the United States Army.  He was stationed for one year in Vietnam and earned multiple medals including a bronze star.  Melven was honorably discharged in July of 1969 as a Sargeant E 5.

Melven resided in Golden, Colorado, later moving to Flagstaff and Cottonwood, Arizona before returning to Indianola in 2006.  Melven enjoyed the mountains and outdoors, doing leather work, entering chili cook-offs, dirt bikes, his model A, Denise's cookies, spending time with his friends and family and telling stories.

He loved to laugh and joke and had an ornery smile and twinkle in his eye that could light up a room.  His memory will live on through the countless stories, laughter and joy with everyone that knew him and loved him.

Melven is survived by his brothers, Scotty (Shirley) Pfaff, Galen (Katie) Pfaff, Steven (Denise) Pfaff and Charles (Belinda) Pfaff; five nephews and four nieces and many great nephews and nieces.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Rupert and Irene Pfaff; twin brother Marlon Pfaff; nephew Luke Pfaff and niece Danielle (Pfaff) Sheehan.

The family would like to say thank you to all of the wonderful staff at the Des Moines VA Hospital Building 12 Memory Care for the outstanding care and compassion Melven received.

Services for Melven will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 7, 2025, at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, with visitation prior to services from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home.  Burial with full military rites will follow in the Liberty Center Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Melven may be given to the Indianola American Legion Post #165.