Ben Melby 47, of SeaTac, WA formerly of Brookings, SD passed away suddenly Friday, July 18, 2025.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday Aug. 6, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Brookings, SD. Memorial visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Benjamin Christopher Melby was born Nov. 25,1977, in Brookings, South Dakota.
First time parents Kathy and Stuart were quickly educated in the care of a wonderful little boy that would make them laugh, love, play, and also sometimes pull their hair out. His interests in music started early in his life ... singing "On the Road Again", "Elvira" and "Country Roads" endlessly while playing a plastic guitar. While still pretty young, Ben also loved "Doing work" which had nothing to do with actually helping around the house...It was more common to find him taking apart an old tape recorder, digging thru the trash at our business, or making his famous professional wrestling belts.
Ben participated in soccer, baseball and gymnastics, but after a season or two the coaches and his parents decided a different direction might be the way to go in the future. He discovered his love to produce music videos using a VHS video camera. From there he became a techie during high school, working with sound equipment during concerts, plays, or assemblies.
Graduating from Brookings High School in 1996, Ben had work experiences as a DJ, broadcast technician and video operator, a barista, and electrician helper among other jobs before attending McNally Smith College of Music in Minneapolis. He received an Associate of Arts degree in Recording Engineering and went on to specialize in concert sound system technology and production management. Ben toured throughout the US and other countries with several prominent bands, acting as a tour manager and sound engineer.
Benjamin worked for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the Basilica of St Mary as a sound technician and then went on to work as a production manager at Club 3 Degrees in Minneapolis before being transferred to Seattle, Washington. He produced concerts in Seattle, Portland, Spokane and other northwest US cities.
Ben is survived by his parents, Stuart and Kathy (Gengler) Melby. His sister Katie and her husband Andrew Lynch (Auburn, Alabama), numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. Plus a wide circle of friends who inspired him to live life to the fullest. Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents Morris and Gloria Melby, Milton and Geraldine Gengler, uncles Jim Gengler and Rich Vanderloo, cousins Greg Gengler and Noah Sahlstrom.
Ben will be missed. He was a person who could talk....and talk...to people about any subject matter. He loved all ages and types of individuals. His infectious smile was always evident.
So play your favorite music today.... and live and laugh.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
