Melverne Bergseth

at the age of 91. Mel was a first generation American, born to Severina and John Bergseth,

who emigrated to America from Norway while in their teens.

He was born on March 14, 1920 in Berlin, North Dakota. He and his three brothers helped their parents on the family farm throughout their youth. Mel joined the Civilian Conservative Corps in his teen years, working with other young men to conserve and develop natural resources in rural lands owned by federal, state and local government. He then took up baking and met Elinor, the love of his life, in a bakery. Elinor and Mel married on June 1, 1940 and a year later heard the call to "Go West". With $65 in their pocket, a Model A and youth on their side, they drove to Seattle, looking for work in the shipyards but ending up in the Yakima Valley. Mel found work picking fruit until he landed a job with the Yakima Hardware. He took a leave of absence from his job to serve in the Navy during WWII, serving as a radio operator on the USS Denver in the Pacific Theater. After peace was declared, he resumed his job and life in Yakima. After 30 years with the Yakima Hardware, Mel retired and took a job with the Selah School as a maintenance man, enjoying his time interacting with the residents living there.

Mel and Elinor raised their three children in Yakima, living in the same house for over 60 years.

Mel was quite the handyman, adding three rooms onto their home with just a hammer and handsaw.

He and Elinor loved to travel and spent many days on the road and nights camping in their camper van. They also traveled to visit their daughter and son-in-law, who was a member of the United States Air Force for 33 years. Many scrapbooks hold pictures of the memories they made together.

Mel's many hobbies included woodworking and refurbishing old wheelchairs for resale and to donate. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed taking his grandchildren camping. He taught himself to play the organ and loved to play hymns for his family and friends.

Mel is survived by his wife of 71 years, Elinor; three children, Pat (Dave) Gilbreath, Karen Ingram and Jay Bergseth. He also left behind 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was loved by his family and will be missed.

The family wants to sincerely thank the help we received from ResCare and Yakima Valley Regional Hospice. Their love and concern for our father was very much appreciated.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2011 at Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. A Memorial Service will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 26th at First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the care of Keith and Keith Funeral Home.