Reuben Donald Mellum

With deep sorrow, we announce that Reuben Donald Mellum passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at his home in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by his loving children. Reuben was 94 years of age. Reuben is survived by his children, Mark (Bev), Steven (Jean), and Mary (Ken), along with nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Joyce Braaten and many nieces and nephews. Reuben was preceded in death by his dear wife, Clara, daughter-in-law, Kerri, and his grandson, Andy. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Berger and Gea Mellum, along with brothers, Bert, John, and Gordon, sisters Myrtle, Selma, and Lillian, sisters-in-law Gladys and Ina, and brothers-in-law Ray and Art.

Reuben was born on July 24, 1930, in Jackson, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Belmont Lutheran Church, a country church near his home. He grew up on the family farm and attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in the country. He graduated as Valedictorian from Lakefield High School in 1948. Reuben earned a bachelor’s degree at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he met his wife, Clara. Reuben was called to the ministry and enrolled in Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary in the fall of 1952. Reuben and Clara were united in marriage in Wyndmere, North Dakota on August 12, 1956. The young couple settled near New London, Minnesota, where Reuben began serving a three-point parish that included churches in New London, South Lake Johanna, and Norway Lake.

A year after their marriage, their first son, Mark, was born in 1957, and in 1960, the young family moved to Breckenridge, Minnesota to serve Breckenridge Lutheran Church. Here, Reuben's and Clara's two other children, Steven and Mary, were born. After moving from Breckenridge in 1974, Clara and Reuben served two other churches, one in Pemberville, Ohio, and one in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Wherever he served, Reuben worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to bring his parishioners closer to the Lord. He started new Bible studies, new styles of worship services, and new programs in order to spread the Gospel to as many individuals as possible.

Upon their retirement, Reuben and Clara relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where they joined Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Reuben served as a visitation pastor there for several years and preached at various worship services. At the time of his death, Reuben had been living at the Forum at Knightsbridge in Columbus for six years. Reuben and Clara had been married for 67 years, and he missed her very much after her passing in 2023.

Throughout his life, Reuben treasured his family and visited them whenever he could. After moving from Minnesota to Ohio, he and Clara made many trips to see family in Minnesota and North Dakota. Reuben encouraged his children and grandchildren to love the Lord through his example, words, and prayers. His own life had been enhanced immeasurably by his experience at Concordia College, and he encouraged his children and grandchildren in all their educational endeavors. The couple continued to travel in their retirement, including trips to Norway, Israel, Germany, Florida, and Alaska.

Reuben’s gentle presence made a positive impact on many people, and he will be deeply missed.

A visitation for Reuben will be held Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221. A memorial service will occur Friday, June 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church: Mill Run Campus, 3500 Mill Run Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026; with a luncheon to follow. Interment will be at the UALC Columbarium at Mill Run.

Memorials in Reuben’s memory may be designated to the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church Together Campaign, 2300 Lytham Rd., Columbus, OH 43220.