Gordon Mellum, 81, died Thursday, Sept 17th at his home in New Rockford, ND.

Gordon Sanford Mellum was born on April 16th, 1928 at Finley, North Dakota, the son of Gustav and Selma (Grafsgaard) Mellum. He was baptized at Ottawa Lutheran Church, rural Aneta, ND, and confirmed at Warwick Lutheran Church, Warwick ND. He grew up in McHenry and Warwick area’s. In 1951 he enlisted in the US Army and trained at FT Lewis and FT Worden, WA and was later stationed in the Bourdeau region of France. He worked at the Margaret and Judson mines in Chisholm, Minnesota and the Garrison Dam at Garrison, North Dakota. He then worked as a mechanic for Ford Motor Company, Town and Country Motors, and John Deere until he started farming.

Gordon was united in marriage to Bonnie (Twamley) Bjertness at Sheyenne, North Dakota on February 8th, 1969. Bonnie and Gordon moved to “the farm� near Warwick in May of 1975. Gordon was a member of Warwick Lutheran Church, the VFW in Sheyenne, and American Legion Post 30 in New Rockford. He served on the Hillsdale Township Board and the Warwick Lutheran Church Council.

Gordon enjoyed visiting with family and friends, traveling, discussing politics and keeping up on world events. He especially loved corresponding and visiting with his relatives in Norway. He had a deep love for North Dakota and especially his beloved farm. He could fix anything mechanical and even after his eyesight was nearly gone overhauled the carburetor of the old black pick up. He will be remembered for his caring generosity and willingness to help everyone.

Gordon is survived by three sons; Rev. Loren (Karen) Mellum of Moorhead MN, Rev Corey (Beverly) Bjertness of New London, MN; and Curt (Joan) Bjertness of Hickson, ND; two daughters, Carol (Bill) Kubista of Harwood, ND and Carmen (Bob) Ludwig of New Rockford, ND; 15 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; three sisters Betty (Roger) Westby of New Rockford, ND, Joyce Jerstad of Finley, ND, Marliss Wipperling of Wadena, MN and one brother Duane (Marlys) Mellum of Carson City, Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and step-father Chester Loe.

Funeral Service: Warwick Lutheran Church, Warwick, ND

Date and Time: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 10:30AM

Interment: Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford, ND Tuesday @ 1PM