Milford Lee Allen Karlsen

In Loving Memory

Milford Karlsen

January 29, 1942 – February 24, 2025

Hockinson Apostolic Lutheran Church

Milford Lee Allen Karlsen, who most people know as Mel, was born January 29, 1942 in Minot, North Dakota to parents Einar and Elina Karlsen. He was the ninth of eleven children, and the first child to be born in a hospital. He passed away peacefully at his home in Battle Ground, Washington on February 24, 2025 at the age of 83 years.

Growing up, his family lived in Foxholm, North Dakota, a small community. The family woke up early to do chores, and Mel had duties in the barn where there were cows to milk, and all of this before walking to a one-room school house. Their home did not have plumbing or electricity right away. Work on the farm included mending fences, where he fondly remembers snacking on wild onions, June berries, and rose hips. He helped cut and rake hay with horse drawn implements.

Mel graduated from Carpio High School. He initially worked for some farmers in the area. Then he moved out west to Seattle, Washington to join his brother Harley, where they shared a one-room apartment. He watched the Space Needle being constructed while commuting to work.

Eventually he obtained a job at Fort Vancouver Plywood Mill through the help of his brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Ankenbauer. He lived in Vancouver with his sisters Clara and Joyce, and attended the Hockinson Apostolic Lutheran Church. He was drafted into the Army and stationed at Fort Lewis. He would drive down to Vancouver for visits, and eventually met Donna Tervo, who had moved west from Michigan, at the Hockinson church. He always said Donna was willing to talk to him, and he asked if they could correspond. His military term ended weeks before he could have been shipped to Vietnam.

He returned to Vancouver and began dating Donna. They were married April 8, 1967 in Hancock Michigan. They began to establish their lives together, eventually purchasing 10 acres on a ridge top north of Battle Ground, which became Mel's residence for his remaining years. At this time they had three boys and a fourth on the way. Mel worked as a house painter for his brother Ken, and eventually started his own painting company. Two girls were added to the family, for a total of six kids. At home he enjoyed maintaining his property and always had projects to work on. He raised beef cattle in the pasture, cared for a small fruit orchard, and built things as needed.

There were many family road trips with tent camping, and a plane flight for a white Christmas, each of these to Chassel, Michigan where Donna's parents and her brother resided. A yearly destination was camping at Fort Stevens with family friends. Mel also enjoyed three-wheeling on the coastal sand dunes, and downhill skiing. He greatly valued gatherings with the families of his brothers and sisters, which included picnics, birthdays and many other family events.

In the later years, four of his kids married and had families of their own. Mel had purchased a large above ground pool, but completely enclosed it, so it was more like an indoor pool. This became a draw for grandchildren and other guests during the summers, and it gave Mel happiness seeing people enjoy the pool. His immediate family has gathered monthly for many years, and for holidays.

In 2007, Mel experienced his first major hospitalization with a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). At first he required oxygen at night only, but as the years went by his oxygen need increased. For the last five years, he became home-bound, lovingly cared for by his wife. During this time Mel and Donna appreciated viewing church services online, and were thankful for the faithful visits from Pastor Phil and Pastor Paul.

Mel delighted in his own children and his grandchildren. He became affectionately known as “Papa.”

Papa, Dad, Uncle Mel and Mel – he is loved and missed by his family.

Mel is mourned by his wife Donna, as well as their six children: Eric, Scott (Molly), Ross, Travis (Jennie), Kara (Jerame), and Valerie, all in the local area, along with 12 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Lois (Leon) Allen of TX, and brother Victor (Kiki) Karlsen of SC. He was preceded in death by his parents Einar and Elina Karlsen, brothers Marvin, Kenneth, Robert, Harley, and sisters Ruth, Donna Mae, Clara and Joyce.