Melvin Helgeson

February 5,1930 - May 12, 2014

Age: 84

Cherished husband, father, grandfather, friend, left to be reunited with his beloved wife of 56 years,

Edith. Mel was born February 5, 1930 to parents, Raymond and Mae Helgeson in Minot, ND. He

joined the Army Air Corp in 1948 and was a member of the '7499 Composite Squadron'. They

performed top secret missions over Russia during the Cold War. The squadron was known as "The

Flight of the Ferrets". He and Edith married in December of 1952 in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The

happy couple lived in Panama City, Florida while stationed at Tyndall AFB. He was honorably

discharged in 1953. After discharge they moved to Marysville, Washington where they settled and

raised a family. In 1954 Mel began working at Scott Paper Company in Everett, Wa., he was there 10

years. Mel was also became a Marysville Volunteer Fireman, due to his dear friend Rudy Wright,

encouraging him. In 1965 he became Maryville's first paid Fire Marshall. After a few years he became

the Fire Chief. While in that role, the department won National recognition for their achievements,

including an award from the governor. He retired in 1971. Mel then began a successful career in

sales. In 1973 he became a licensed Real Estate Agent.

He is predeceased by his parents, his wife, Edith, brothers, August & Albert Raap, and Harland

Helgeson. He leaves behind a sister, Dorothy Dubarko, of Edmonds, WA.

Daughter, Monica Helgeson, RN (Dr. Michael Floyd) of Townsend, TN.

Grandchildren Jody Long & Tadd Mahood.

He leaves his namesake, Melvin Dale Helgeson, Jr (Kathy) of Monroe, WA, a forty year career

firefighter.

Grandchildren, Leah Gundry (Jamie), Brenan & Alyssa Helgeson.

Also his son, Robert Helgeson (Lesley) of Stanwood, WA,

Grandchildren, Emily, Allison, & Faith Helgeson.

Lastly his son, John C. Helgeson, Sr., his primary caregiver for the last several years, grandsons

John Jr and Blayde Helgeson.

He also leaves great Grandchildren, Cameron, Samantha, Sydney, Malik, Coby and Mikaya.

Our father always had time for us, he was a thoughtful, generous and charming man with a wonderful

sense of humor. He was always there with a helping hand or encouraging words when we needed

them. The last of the true gentlemen has left this world and he will be dearly missed. Memorial

Service will be held at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Marysville, WA at 2:00 pm on May 31.

Arrangements under the direction of Bauer Funeral Chapel, Snohomish, WA.