Melbelyne Ann Underberg

Melbelyne Ann Underberg passed away at 10:15 am on April 28, 2021 surrounded by her loved ones from natural causes. She was born February 22, 1930 in Flint, Michigan to Melvin Brekke and Anna Elizabeth (Anderson). She was the eldest of four siblings.
Melbelyne attended school in Karlstad Minnesota and then College in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. After completing her college, she worked as a school teacher. She was immensely proud of her education because this was a time when most women did not attend college. She used to tell stories about having to stay in the school house because of the horrible Minnesota winters.
While teaching school she met Norell "Bud" Underberg and was married on November 24, 1950. After their marriage Norell farmed while Melbelyne finished her teaching obligations and in 1951 they moved to Longview, Washington. Melbelyne had one son, Brent Underberg.
Once arriving in Longview Melbelyne worked as a supervisor at Sears and Roebuck Co for 35 years, retiring in 1986. Melbelyne was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church where she taught bible and Sunday school. She was also a member of the Sons of Norway and volunteered her time to help with events and gatherings.
She was a great grandma, grandma, and mother to her closest family members Pam, Brett, Ceara, and Ali Underberg. Memories of her singing, sewing and playing games with all her family members are some of the best times they can remember.
One can imagine working for Sears and Roebuck in their prime for 35 years, anything and everything Melbelyne had was from Sears.
She worked during her retirement for her son's business, Brents Quality Auto Repair. She would keep books, payroll, taxes etc. She maintained this until the business was sold after her sons passing in 2012. She worked helping her son Brent at Quality Auto well into her 80's. Brett remembers summer trips to Minnesota to visit family, Grandma always being able to sew and hem anything he needed fixed or repaired. Pam recalls how welcomed she was into the family at age 16. Melbelyne always loved Pam like a daughter no matter the circumstances.
Survivors include, Daughter Pam Underberg, Grandchildren Brett Underberg and Ceara Underberg, Great Granddaughter Ali May Underberg, Brother Milo Brekke (Mary-Ann) of Auburn WA, Dennis Brekke (Louise) of Warren MN, and Sister Marlys Lefrooth (Donald) of Strandquist MN, Sister-in-Law Mayme Underberg of Kelso WA, Brother-in-law Alfred (Sandra) Underberg of Salem OR, Nephews Brian and Kelly Underberg and Niece Lori Underberg. She was preceded in death her mother and father, her husband of 55 years Norell Underberg, and her son Brent Underberg.
Viewing will be from 10am - 11am prior to the funeral service at 11am, Saturday May 8, 2021 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Community Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 2067, Longview WA 98632 or Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2218 E. Kessler Blvd, Longview WA 98632.