Melvin Andersen

Hyrum, Utah – Melvin Keith Andersen passed away at age 85 in his home in Hyrum, Utah with his family by his side on Saturday January 24, 2009 after battling a lingering illness.

Melvin was born November 7, 1923 to Eugene Delos and Juliet Albretsen Andersen, the oldest of five children.

Melvin grew up in Hyrum spending many days of his youth helping his dad with the herds of sheep in the mountains of Cache and Box Elder counties. He developed a great love for horses and became an excellent horseman, known for his training and riding talent. His love for horses lead to countless days of riding with friends and family. He rode his horses in endurance races that ranged from 50 to 150 miles. He belonged to the Hyrum Saddle Club for 25 years, serving as President, Rodeo Chairman and many other assignments. In 1998 Melvin was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Hyrum City 4th of July celebration. Melvin was also an avid hunter spending many hunting seasons in the mountains and fields hunting deer, elk and pheasants with his sons, brothers, other family members and friends.

Melvin married the love of his life and soul mate, Rose Bradshaw, on December 30, 1942. They had just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple. He was an active member of the Hyrum 7th Ward.

Melvin and Rose raised a big family of seven boys and two girls. Dee (Elaine) Perry, UT, Robert- Brigham City, UT, Richard (deceased), Mark (Sherri) Nibley, UT, Blaine (JoAnn) Hyrum, UT, Gary (Dianne) Hyde Park, UT, Paul (Debbie) Fairview, ID, Merilee Boehme – Hyrum, UT, Julie Sayama – Wellsville, UT. They have 31 Grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and four great- great grandchildren.

Melvin proudly served in the United States Armed Forces. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS Intrepid from 1944 to 1946. He then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1947 to 1953. He was active in the American Legion for many years. He served as the Commander of Post 47 in Hyrum and helped with the American Legion baseball program for many years.

After completing his military service Melvin went to work at the Defense Depot in Ogden, Utah and worked there until he retired in 1979. He and Rose then worked at the First Security Bank in Logan for 13 years.

He is survived by his brothers Boyd (Virginia) Andersen – Bountiful, Doug (Janet) Andersen – Park City and a sister Gwena Willie of Malad, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Delos Jr., son Richard Von Andersen, brother-in-law Jim Willie, grandsons Kevin Richard Andersen and Brian Kent Andersen and great- great grandson Quinton Jay Andersen.

We are thankful for our husband, father, brother and friend. During his illness, our family has loved and grown together. We thank you dad for this gift; we love you and will miss you dearly – until we meet again.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm at the Hyrum North Stake Center, 245 Apple Drive on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. Viewing will be held at Allen Hall Mortuary; 34 East Center Street, Logan, Utah, Tuesday evening, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday from 11:30 to 12:30 prior to services at the Stake Center.
Interment will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .