Laurin Mellergaard

Funeral services for Laurin Christian Mellergaard, 86, lifetime Ellensburg resident, was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Mercer Creek Church the burial to followed at the IOOF Cemetery. A reception  followed the service at the Ellensburg American Legion Hall.

Mr. Mellergaard passed away at his home on September 3, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Laurin was born on July 2, 1932 in Ellensburg to Laurence & Anna (Jacobsen) Mellergaard. He was raised on the family ranch in the Manastash area and attended the Damman School and later graduated from Ellensburg High School in the class of 1950. While in high school, Laurin was a member of 4-H/FFA and participated in many livestock shows. In 1952, Laurin was drafted into the United States Army and served as an infantryman during the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism in combat and was honorably discharged in 1954.

He married Marjorie "Marge" Gregerich on June 11, 1955 in Ellensburg and three wonderful sons were born soon after - Brian in 1957, Brent in 1959 and Todd in 1966. Laurin and Marge were married for nearly 57 years before she passed away in early 2012. After returning home from the service, Laurin became a partner in the Circle Lazy H Ranch with his father and spent the rest of his life doing what he loved - farming and ranching. He never officially "retired" from farming and was still out on the tractor bailing hay up through the end of last year's harvest. He enjoyed horseback riding, chasing cattle and participating in cattle drives.

Laurin believed strongly in giving back to his community. He was a 30-year-plus volunteer for Kittitas County Fire District #2 and served as a director for the Westside Irrigation Company for a few years before becoming a director for the Kittitas County Reclamation and Irrigation District for 20 years. He also served as a director for Farm Credit Services and was a longtime member of the Kittitas County Fair 4-H Buyers Committee. He was also a member of the Moose and Elks Lodge as well as the American Legion

Family and friends were very important to Laurin and he loved every moment he got to spend with his family, including his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He enjoyed the regular twice-weekly card games he would have with his friends from school, going to "The Office" (aka the American Legion) for weekly happy hour, golfing, traveling and just getting out and being social. With his outgoing personality, Laurin made many friends wherever he went and was always the life of the party. When you were with Laurin he always made you feel welcome and part of the family.

Laurin is survived by his three sons - Brian (Carol) Mellergaard, Brent (Evelyn) Mellergaard and Todd (Kambra) Mellergaard; six grandchildren Jason (Ashleigh) Mellergaard, Manda (James) Beckett, Elaina (Brian) Piper, Jorden Mellergaard, Coleson Mellergaard and Brandon Mellergaard; three great-grandchildren Jake, Brayd and Brody as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marge; his parents and sisters Dorothy Mills, Evelyn Gillard and Lorene Swedberg. The Mellergaard Family would like to extend a special thank you to Laurin's caregivers Stacy Bond and Tamie Howell for all of their loving care as well as Hospice of Kittitas Valley. Memorial contributions in Laurin's honor are suggested to Hospice Friends, 302 S. Main Street; Ellensburg American Legion, 1101 Craig Avenue or to the Kittitas Valley Firefighters Life Support Fund, PO Box 981; all addresses in Ellensburg, Washington 98926. Online condolences may be left at www.steward-williams.com