Obituary of Mel V.E. Raffelson

Mel V. E. Raffelson In loving memory of Mel "Papa" Raffelson born June 10, 1933 in Newell, S.D. to Richard and Edna and died May 7, 2009 in Vancouver, WA at age 75. Mel served 4 years in the Marines during the Korean Conflict and was very proud to be a Marine. He was employed at Crown Zellerbach and was working in Additives when he retired. Mel was a life member of Camas Moose Lodge #1042, a charter member of Washougal Eagles #4390, a member of the American Legion #0176, 40et8 #99 and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars #4278. Mel loved to read and travel, heading for AZ and Mexico each fall. He is survived by his wife Anne of Camas, WA, brother Richard L., sister Jeannie Bjerke-Sparks both of Sterling, CO and sister Barbara Crites of Gilbert, AZ, son Melvern of Jonesboro, Arkansas, granddaughter Kathy Fredricks of Lacey, WA, two great grandchildren and special friend Casey Stenberg of Camas, WA whom he loving called "his daughter". He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Linda and brother Robert. A celebration of Mel's life will be held Friday, May 15 at 1:00 pm at the CamasMoose Lodge, 227 NW Lake Rd. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials in Mel's honor may be sent to Ray Hickey Hospice House, P.O. Box 1600, Vancouver, WA 98668. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.