Clara Josephine Mehlum

Clara Josephine Mehlum, age 82 of Westby, passed away at Vernon Memorial Hospital on December 29, 2006. She was born January 27, 1924 to Erling and Gjerda (Clement) Evenson. She was baptized and confirmed in Our Saviors Lutheran Church. She graduated from Westby High School in 1941 and from Vernon County Normal School in 1943. She taught in rural schools for five years and also worked as a switchboard telephone operator for Westby Telephone. On August 27, 1949 she married Walter Mehlum. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1999. Clara was an active member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church WELCA and Rebecca Circle. She served on the church kitchen committee and was a quilter. Clara was also a member of Solvang Lodge Sons of Norway. She participated in the Sons of Norway Singers and Players. In addition, she was active in the Westby Senior Citizens and the Norseland Auxiliary. Clara and Walter were crowned King and Queen of Westby Senior Citizens for 17th of May (Syttende Mai) Celebration. Clara enjoyed embroidery work, crocheting, flowers, and old time music associated with Syttende Mai. She helped Walter organize many old time music programs and enjoyed the many trips they made to South Dakota for fiddling contests. She and Walter both volunteered at Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center where they were honored at Norskedalens annual banquet for their many hours of volunteer work. Clara also volunteered at Norseland Nursing Home and enjoyed baking Norwegian pastries. Clara is survived by her husband, Walter of Westby; three sons: Jerome (Linda) Mehlum of Hartford, WI; Gary Mehlum of Greenfield Center, NY; and Fred Mehlum of Westby. She is further survived by three grandchildren: Cassandra, Michael and Marissa; one brother, Clement (Hjordis) Evenson of Westby; one sister-in-law, Bernice Christianson of LaCrosse; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Clara was preceded in death by her sister, Odie Lindvig; brothers-in-law: Maynard Lindvig; Harvey Mehlum and his twin brother, Roy Mehlum, Elmer Mehlum, and Orvis Christianson; and her sisters-in-law: Alvina Mehlum and Lorene Johnson. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2006 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Gary Daines will officiate with burial in Our Saviors Cemetery. Friends may call at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S Hwy 14, Westby from 4 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.