WARWICK Gordon Sanford Mellum, 81, New Rockford, died Thursday, Sept 17, 2009, in his home.

He was born April 16, 1928, to Gustav and Selma Mellum in Finley. He enlisted in the Army in 1951, trained at Fort Lewis, Wash., and Fort Worden, Wash., and was stationed in the Bourdeau region of France until his discharge. He married Bonnie (Twamley) Bjertness Feb. 8, 1969, in Sheyenne.

Survivors: sons, the Rev. Loren Mellum, Moorhead Minn., the Rev. Corey Bjertness, New London, Minn., Curt Bjertness, Hickson; daughters, Carol Kubista, Harwood, Carmen Ludwig, New Rockford; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Westby, New Rockford, Joyce Jerstad, Finley, Marliss Wipperling, Wadena, Minn.; brother, Duane, Carson City, Nev.

Funeral: Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Warwick Lutheran Church, Warwick.

Burial: Tuesday, 1 p.m., Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford.

Prayer service: Monday, 7 p.m., in Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford.

Visitation: Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the funeral home.