Robert Dean MELLGREN

MELLGREN, HUTCHESON, SANDERS, DERSCHIED

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/25/2006 at 13:09:19

Robert Dean "Bob" Mellgren passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2004, at his home near Emigrant, Mont. He was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa, the son of Inda and Oscar Mellgren. As a young man he was an avid and outstanding football and basketball player. After graduation from high school he served in the U.S. Army and attended Iowa State University. He played football on the varsity team and his record of most intercepted passes in one season stood for many years. He graduated from ISU with a degree in education and then earned his master's degree at Kirksville, Mo., college. He taught school for 35 years, first at Chariton High School and later at College Community School District in Cedar Rapids. Bob was active in coaching all boys' sports and in 1974, was voted into the Iowa Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame. He was grateful when named as an outstanding teacher at College Community. After spending numerous summers at a cabin near Wise River, Mont., the family moved to the Paradise Valley in 1996. Bob spent his retirement years building log furniture, his hobby, and enjoying the area's abundant wildlife and unmatched beauty.

Bob is survived by Edie, Jeff, Sara and Jenny Mellgren and John Hutcheson; and sisters, Joan Sanders of Redondo Beach, Calif., and Mary Derschied of Eagle Grove, Iowa.His mother, father and brother, Don Mellgren, preceded him in death.

Bob faced the long battle with cancer with Christian faith and courage, taking comfort in the support and love he was given by his family and friends, Dr. Loh, the Livingston Hospice team, Bryan Wells and Mike Adkins, Joan Horan, Tom Thompson, Lennie Milne and Paula Pearl. He was deeply moved by the outpouring of cards, letters, phone cards and visits he received from former students, teachers, friends and relatives. The family requests memorials be sent to Livingston Hospice Care, 504 S. 13th St., Livingston, MT 59047. Bob requested there be no public services. Cremation has taken place at Cremation or Funeral Gallery, Belgrade, Mont.

Gazette, The (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, IA)
March 10, 2004