Melvin J. Beran

Melvin J. Beran, 91 years old, was born on May 27, 1934 in Odell, Nebraska, to Emil and Elsie (Novotny) Beran. He died on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Beatrice, Nebraska.  He graduated from Odell Public Schools in 1952 and Fairbury Junior College with an Associate Degree.  Melvin traveled to many Nebraska ballrooms where he played the drums for the Mickey Kull Orchestra.  On June 3, 1956 he married Beth Lee Baumfalk, at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church of Diller, they were happily married for 69 years.  Later that year he was drafted into the Army and was stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky where he was a drummer in the 101st Airborne Band.  After the Army they moved back to Diller where they farmed.  He was a member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church Diller, he was baptized and confirmed while in the army by the chaplain.

Melvin was an active member in the Diller community.  He served on the Diller School Board, Farmer’s Elevator Board, Farmer’s Coop Oil Board, Diller Rural Fire Board for 40 years, Prairie Home Cemetery Board for 40 years, and St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church Council.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Lee (Baumfalk) Beran.  Son Scott and wife Linda (Thompson) Beran of Diller; Nathan and wife Laura Thompson of Falls City, NE and their children Elnora and Adeline; Tyler and wife Madison Thompson of Lincoln, NE.  Daughter Michele and husband Terry Pella and their children Rachel, Grant and Emily all of Kansas City, MO.  Niece (like a daughter) Vicki (Lillie) and husband Joel Wooton of Diller; their daughters Ashley and husband Robert Waid, children Liam and Isla of Diller; Lindsey and husband Darrell Headrick of Lincoln, NE and Whitney and husband Bryan Dulaney of Fountain, CO.  Also survived by sister-in-law and brother-in law Judy and Bill Holliger of Diller plus many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents, parents-in law Grace (Lottman) and Wilhelm Baumfalk, infant son, his brother and sister-in-law Gene and Carole Beran, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Elaine and Jack Erdmann, his sister-in-law Nancy Lillie, nieces, and many special friends.

The family selected cremation and memorial services will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Diller, NE.  Burial of the cremains with military honors will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery, Diller, NE. The family suggests memorials to the church, Prairie Home Cemetery or the Rural Diller Fire District in care of the funeral home.

Melvin's service will be livestreamed on youtube  - www.stpauldiller.com