Melvin Harry Shadbolt

Melvin Harry Shadbolt, 86 of Dakota City, Nebraska went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 at a local hospital.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 5th, 2023 from 4 to 6pm at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE. Prayer service follows at 6PM. Funeral will be Monday, March 6th, 2023 at 10:30am in Dakota City United Methodist Church.  Those wishing to join virtually may do so by following this link:  https://youtube.com/live/mq8HfqFxYpE.  Burial is at Omaha Valley Cemetery, Homer, NE.  Online condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Melvin, son of Ruth (Reninger) and Harry Shadbolt, was born in Homer, but grew up in Dakota City. He married Opal DeWitt December 30,1967 in Galahad, Alberta, Canada. One son, Scott blessed their home endlessly.

Melvin grew up with electronics on his mind, preferring Popular Science sometimes more than school books. He became a ham radio operator, W0KYQ, in his teens and had his commercial license at age 16. Melvin worked as a young man for Sioux Valley Radio servicing police car radios and then began a career as a transmitter engineer for KTIV-Ch:4 at age 21. Always wanting to have his own business, he gradually phased out of Ch:4 to begin ATV Research with engineering partner Dick Wright. They serviced the ham radio field with coils, Transformers, etc. that Melvin designed. In 1968, Richard left the business to continue his job at Ch:4.

Melvin branched out into video, inventing the first complete camera kit in the United States. He was the first Amateur Television operator in the United States to transmit a color video TV signal.  He transmitted from Dakota City, NE to Sioux City, IA. He invented many other electronic products, eventually becoming a distributor. Melvin developed many friendships with the distributors & customers nationally and internationally. He was always a kind consultant before being a salesman to them. He was a Sr. Member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) and a publishing author in various magazines.  Melvin served in the Army National Guard in Iowa for 10 years.  In that time period he won the Rifle Championship.

Church ministry at the Dakota City United Methodist Church was a priority in his life, serving on church boards, etc. He wrote "Methodism in Dakota City, Nebraska, 1856-2006", a hardbound book of 579 pages. Friend Gary Sides assisted with data and pictures. His goals were high and ever expanding. Melvin was instrumental in having video screens put in the church, as well as producing and running power point presentations for the church services. Also running the audio/video for team kids’ ministries was another joy.

Melvin's legacy lives on in his loving wife, Opal, dear Son Scott, his dear daughter in-law (Kerry), as well as grandsons Joshua and Samuel his pride and joy. He is also survived by his loving sister, Karen McClain, Numerous cousins, Nieces and Nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Harry Shadbolt, many aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law Ken, Lorren and LaVern and sisters-in-law, Barbara, Joyce and Edna.

Memorials may be given to the Dakota City United Methodist Church in Melvin’s memory.