Melvin Sanford Bagaasen, 84, of Cary, NC, went home to Glory on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Waltonwood Assisted Living surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Bagaasen was born on June 19, 1926 to Martin C. Bagaasen and Sarah Orvedal Bagaasen in Wolford, ND. He was their only child.
Mr. Bagaasen grew up in North Dakota, helping his parents and extended family on the farms near Wolford. After high school graduation he attended Minot State Teacher’s college and spent several years teaching in a local country school house. During the Korean Conflict he enlisted in the US Air Force. After basic training he was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. While on leave visiting an aunt in Chicago he met his future wife Jean Springborn who was a nursing student. They married on June 6, 1953. After completing his enlistment he began his long career as a civil servant at Chanute. He taught many courses in aviation mechanics, was a block chief, and whatever else was asked of him. He served faithfully from July 1951 until Chanute was closed in February 1993. In the late 60’s he completed his undergraduate degree and Master’s Degree in Education Psychology from the University of Illinois. He was a lifelong Lutheran and a member of the American Lutheran Church in Rantoul, IL, holding fast to his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ all of his life.
Melvin and Jean moved to the Apex/Cary, NC, area in September 2006 to be closer to family. He took enormous pleasure in the everyday interactions with his son and family. Their love and energy filled his final years with joy and laughter.
Melvin is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 57 years, Jean Springborn Bagaasen; sons: Larry and wife, Karen of West Richland, WA, and Byron and wife, Kim of Cary, NC; daughter: Lore Ethridge and husband, Jerry of Los Alamos, NM; grandchildren: Cathey Bolson and her husband Nick, Sarah Ethridge, Casey Bagaasen, Jake Bagaasen, Dakota Bagaasen, Zaida Bagaasen, Sierra Parker, and Sterling Parker. He is also survived by his great grandchildren: Gracie Bolson, Landon Bolson, and Skylar Bolson.
A service to celebrate Melvin’s Life will be held 12:00 noon June 11, 2011 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St., Apex, NC. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon on June 11, 2011.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 for their compassionate care during the last three months of Melvin’s life.
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