Walter J. Mehlum

Walter J. Mehlum, 88, of Westby died Thursday, October 4, 2012. Walter Joslyn Mehlum, age 88 of Westby, passed away peacefully at his home on October 4, 2012. Walt was born on October 29, 1923 to Arnold and Amy (Larson) Mehlum on a farm located at the present site of the Snowflake Ski Club. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1942. Walt served as a mechanic and truck driver with the Americal Division in the Pacific theatre of World War II and during the occupation of Japan. On August 27, 1949, Walt married Clara Evenson. For several years, he drove a cement truck before starting his own auto repair and tow truck business in Westby. In addition to running Walt's Garage for more than forty years, Walt and Clara raised tobacco for 28 years. Walt was an avid accordion and harmonica player. Walt founded and managed the Syttende Mai Old Time Music Program for over 35 years. He was one of The Three Norskies and performed frequently at local events. For many years, Walt and Clara traveled each fall to music contests in Yankton, SD. The many awards for accordion and harmonica he won there were among Walts proudest accomplishments. Walts Norwegian heritage was an important part of his life. Walt was a member of the Solvang Lodge Sons of Norway. He taught himself Norwegian as a young person and took pleasure in using the language. Walt enjoyed Norwegian food and was an excellent lefse maker. Walt and Clara put in many hours volunteering at the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center and were honored with a banquet for their years of service. Walt and Clara were also crowned King and Queen of Westby Senior Citizens for the 17th of May (Syttende Mai) Celebration. Clara passed away in December, 2006. Walt was active in the Westby Senior Citizens and served as president for many years. Walt created an array of beautiful pieces of woodwork. He built many mechanical items from scratch, from snow blowers to tow trucks. Walts sense of humor and unique outlook brightened the days of those who loved him as well as those who met him casually. Walter is survived by three sons, Jerome (Linda) Mehlum of Hartford, WI, Gary (Mary Fellows) Mehlum of Delmar, NY, and Fred Mehlum of Westby. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Cassondra, Michael, and Marissa Mehlum; one sister, Bernice Christianson of La Crosse, one brother-in-law, Clement (Hjordis) Evenson of Westby; two great grandchildren, Jeremiah and Kiana; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his wife Clara, brothers Roy, Harvey, and Elmer; two sisters, Alvina Bahr and Lorene Johnson; and a sister-in-law Odie Lindvig. Sincere thanks to Vernon Memorial Hospice, especially Nancy, Megan, and David for their support and kind care of Walt during the last months of his life. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Steven Minema will officiate. Burial with military honors will be held at Our Saviors Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main, in Westby. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial contributions may be made to Vernon Memorial Hospice or Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.