Melvin Gordon Stueve; March 27 1924 – Jan 19 2025
Melvin was born in Dayton Wyoming to Lillian and Clarence Stueve. He was one of seven children when Melvin was 7 he was given to his Great grandparents John and Kate Hutten who raised him until he entered the army and was stationed at fort Lewis. Upon completion of his service Melvin returned to Sandpoint Idaho where he met and married his lifelong love and partner Elenor (Aase)Stueve. As the United States entered WWW 2 Melvin was called back into the service and was sent to Germany where he was a forward observer and later his real love a truck driver. Melvin completed his military career in Japan. Returning home and moving to Kent WA. Where he began his civilian career as a produce delivery driver in downtown Seattle. Working there until he secured a job driving truck for Fentron Steel, delivering aluminum products mostly in the mid-west. From steel and aluminum Melvin began delivering candy for Stone candy cane company. Melvin moved his wife, 5 kids, dog, to Sandpoint Idaho where he began a 6 year period as “Bull of the woods” (in his words) loosing everything as a gyro logger.
Melvin arrived in Sedro-Woolley 1962 where he re-entered his favorite occupation driving trucks working for PIE transporting freight across America . the highlight of his truck driving career was transporting explosive military weapons to the west coast for support of the Vietnam conflict, From PIE to Skagit lumber, then driving logging trucks for Bergstad and Wood, then finished his career at National foods Burlington as corn transportation director for harvest .
Melvin is preceded in death his wife Elenor Son Randy and ( in Melvins words) by “ darn near everyone”! he is survived by his daughters; Cheryle Rowland, Janice Hieb, Sandy Burress, Pam Brown, 9 grandchildren,11 great grandchildren. Melvin was a horse whisperer who never met a stranger, had trouble with authority, never forgot a friend, never forgave an enemy, protected his wife and children (sometime to extreme).
As pre Melvin’s request no service is planned, because everyone he knew is already gone.
Sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I went to school with Jim Roland and met his wife. My cousin, Peggy was also married in the late 90s to his son, Randy. Growing up in Lyman we also knew the Burress family. We sure miss our parents when they pass on. From the Price family.
Wow, what a life he lived!! Fantastic obituary! I didn’t know so much. I first met Melvin at National, when he came in the Lab to flirt with Aunt Shirley the girls! He was so fun, and harassed me when I joined the “men’s crew”.. But when I married Scott, he came with the Chuck and Patty family— the life of the party! Even at almost 101, it seems he left too soon! My most heartfelt condolences and hugs to all of you. Thinking of you as we all embark on life with memories in place of our loved ones.
Uncle “Stueve” as we called him, was always my favorite Uncle growing up in Sandpoint Idaho. He was funny and always teased us. He gave almost all of his nieces and nephews nicknames. Many fond memories of my families time with the Stueves when they lived up Lightening Creek, out of Sandpoint. I’m sure he’s up heaven with Aunt Eleanor and looking down on us.
Mel was one in a million. He was so much fun to be around and Butch just loved working with him at National. He was so lucky to get to stay in his home till the end of his life. Sandy, you are a gem for taking such good care of his daily needs. Praying for all of you as you find your new normal going forward.
Our Uncle Mel outlasted them all. So many memories of him, Aunt Eleanor and you girls. Glad we got to spend time last last year with him. He’s “somewhere” driving truck and checking out the ladies, and maybe in a skirmish or two. Miss him.
UNCLE MELVIN, A STOCK TRAILER, AND AN ANGUS BULL
The three of us had been culling cattle down in the valley and were now unloading a bull that didn’t make the cut. Uncle Melvin and I were on each side of the trailer gate as he opened it. Dad, 20 feet away, was leaning against the corral’s gate. Neck kinked, the bull took one look at Dad and barreled toward him, knocking him backward and then butt-pushing him through the muck the whole length of the pen. Dad was screaming, “Goddamn you, Gary!” and “Mel….vin!” Uncle Melvin was laughing so hard he could hardly see. From that day on, I didn’t get a call from Uncle Melvin that didn’t start, and often end, with “Goddamn you, Gary!” Always said through his infectious laugh.
Uncle Melvin had a sense of humor to end all senses. There of course was the time he gave Randy a mohawk that was all the rage in our first-grade class at Northside Elementary in Pack River. I remember beautiful Aunt Elenor and the new home he built for her and “their 5” up the road. The picture here is exactly the Uncle Melvin I remember, always that “any second now” glint in his eye, always that infectious laugh ready to bust out, always that joy for life. I raise my Johnson’s Corner mug to you!
Your dad was such a wonderful character. He will be missed.