Melvin Richard “Mel” Bluhm passed away peacefully in his sleep on Aug. 10, 2026, at the age of 93, leaving behind a life built on faith, family, hard work and a good sense of humor.
Mel was born Nov. 23, 1932, near Seward, Nebraska. He grew up with brothers Lee, Art and Virgil and sisters Dorothy and, later, June. Virgil had the distinction of being born on Mel’s fifth birthday. The family always teased Mel that Virg was his birthday present. Mel said he had kind of wanted a bicycle — but Virg turned out OK.
After moving to Washington, his mother and the five children joined her sister Louise and her six children under one roof. Those 11 cousins grew up more like brothers and sisters. Mel was the last surviving member of that special group of 11 — and the keeper of a whole lot of stories. His younger sister, June, born 14 years after Mel, missed those early years of 11 under one roof, but thankfully remains with us today.
Mel’s childhood was not easy, but he never allowed his beginning to determine the outcome of his life. After eighth grade, he worked for room and board while attending Napavine High School, doing everything from milking cows and haying to making honey and processing chickens. He played football, basketball and baseball, played baritone in the band, and graduated in 1952 with the Outstanding Citizenship Award.
During his eighth-grade school year, Mel attended a recreation class at the Napavine gym and met the instructor’s daughter, Jean Hilts. And that was pretty much that. He had found the love of his life.
After serving two years in the United States Army, Mel returned home and married Jean. Together, they raised three children, Sheri, Debra and Jerry, and built a life that would span more than seven decades.
Mel worked at Shakertown in Winlock and many years later decided to become a carpenter. When his family outgrew their two-bedroom home, he simply added on. He later built two more family homes and spent a lifetime building, remodeling and fixing things for family, friends, widows, churches and his community. Even in his 80s, he helped build the replica pioneer church at Borst Park in Centralia.
Mel enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, a good meal and, most of all, his family. Friday was clam chowder at the Chehalis Deli, Centerville and Hometown in Centralia for breakfast and always a stop at MaryAnn’s for chai tea. He was optimistic, even-tempered, generous and rarely complained.
His greatest pride was his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In their later years, Mel and Jean continued doing what they had always done — taking care of each other and enjoying the people around them. As Mel’s health declined, Jean’s loving care made it possible for them to remain together in their home until his death.
They were a great team.
Mel leaves behind Jean, his beloved wife of 73 years; his sisters, June Laird; Shirley (Dick) Valeos and his children, Sheri and Clark Davis, Deb and Kirk Parnham, and Jerry and Kelly Bluhm; along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by many family members, friends and his great-grandson, Noah Jon Markstrom.
Memorial donations may be made to the Noah Jon Markstrom Foundation. noahjonmarkstromfoundation.org
Mel was given a difficult beginning, but he never allowed it to determine his ending.
He built instead.
He built homes, friendships, a marriage and a family. Most importantly, he built his life upon his faith in Jesus Christ. His family finds comfort in his strong faith and belief in his Lord and Savior, knowing this goodbye is not forever.
A celebration of Mel’s life will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 349 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis, Washington.
And because Mel loved ice cream, everyone is invited to stay afterward and build a sundae in his honor. To God Be the Glory.
