Fredrick Wesley Mellen was born on December 2, 1932, to Frank Lyndon Mellen and Edith Ethel Lehman in Malad, Oneida county, Idaho. Fred passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of April 23, 2020. This was a very merciful way to pass into the spirit world where a huge gathering of loved ones awaited his arrival. The crowd included his wife of 56 years, Fonda Gale Light, his second wife Sipu'a Laura Lafitaga Pule of 8 years, his father, his mother, brother Frank, and many friends and loved ones that he had made a difference in their lives.
Fred and Fonda were Married for time and all eternity on June 12, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple. Fred's posterity includes 3 children, Susan (Gary Fowler,) Steven (Denise King), and Michael (Alisa Hertel), 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ethel Dieckmann.
When Fred was asked what were your greatest accomplishments he said raising a family that loves God. He was a great Boy Scout Leader for more than 20 years. He turned many boys into men. He received the Silver Beaver Award and helped 13 boys earn their Eagle at one time. He was also generous and kind; a favorite thing he liked to do with his money was give it away.
When Fred was a child, he loved Tarzan. He must have believed he was Tarzan. He proved this many times. A few examples include cliff diving at Flaming Gorge with a broken leg in a cast and a garbage bag taped around the cast. He would also dive off the promenade deck of a cruise ship a time or two.
Fred served his fellow man and the Lord in many capacities including Bishop, High Counsel and an ordinance worker at the Salt Lake Temple. Fred was an outdoors man. He LOVED fishing, hunting, scuba diving, water, snow skiing and his snowmobiles. Fred loved to travel with Fonda. They went on more cruises than we could count: Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska were some of their favorites. He also loved spending the summers with Fonda in their trailer parked on the Provo River, enjoying, relaxing and fly fishing.
For the last 18 months, Dad lived at the Cascades at River Walk. He expressed countless times how they took great care of him. We appreciate the many wonderful people that cared for him.
A private family viewing and graveside service will be held.
Graveside Service
Friday, May 1, 2020 at 11am.
Please join via Zoom (meeting ID 923 3494 8353)
https://overstock.zoom.us/j/92334948353
or phone +16699006833,,92334948353#
No password is needed.
See a slide show tribute at https://www.independentfuneralservices.com/obituary/Fredrick-Mellen
Life Story Info
Post Date
Personal Info
Age
Adisa Bakare
Guestbook
Timeline
-
1990
-
Nov 1999
Fred and Fonda took their entire family (children and grandchildren) on a cruise to Mexico.
-
2000
-
Jun 2002
50th Wedding Anniversary
Fred and Fonda Mellen
-
Dec 2009
Fred loved attending the Light Family Christmas Party every year, and he loved his great-grandchildren very much.
-
2010
-
Dec 2013
Fred enjoyed celebrating with his family. German Chocolate cake was one of his favorites.
-
Jun 30, 2018
Fred attended his grandaughter, Catie's wedding in 2018.
-
Dec 2019
Our Mellen/Fowler Christmas party.
-
Dec 25, 2019
Left to right:
Louise, Abigail, Fred, Daniel, Andrew
This was Christmas morning 2019
He was my Bishop, my Scout leader, my Employer, my Friend. He helped to shape me into the man I am today. I have fond memories of scout trips to Flaming Gorge. Snow Mobile trips to his cabin. Fishing, Camping, Youth Conferences. He was there giving his time to serve all of the youth. He was crazy fun to be around. He was an amazing man and he will always be loved by those who knew him. He was there when I got my Eagle. He was always there when I needed him. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Fred was the greatest Scoutmaster ever! I learned more from him than he could have ever known. He set a wonderful example of how to be an honorable person, a solid citizen, a true scout, and slightly crazy in a good way. I have told countless scouts how I learned from the best, and could only hope to be half the scout leader he was. I loved that man and looked up to him. The world is far better because he was in it.
So sadded to by his passing,but he is now reunited with his family.I lived with Fred and Fonda for 6 wonderful years.I was their foster through the Indian placement program.I was very blessed to have Fred and Fonda they were amazing parents. There kindness and generosity for there church, and community. I will always remember the example the love for his family and God. You will be missed and love.
Grandpa,
I can hear your voice echoing in my head, "Well, isn't that just wonderful?" I appreciate your optimism in life, everlasting patience and amazing sense of adventure. I will also always cherish your kind and encouraging words you have given me through many, many years.
Dear Mellen Family: I was saddened to hear of Fred's passing, yet I am very happy that he is reunited with his eternal companion Fonda! Fred and Fonda were a great example of working together as wife and husband. I love them both! As you all know, I love playing sports and wasn't much of a boy scout, but when I was 12 and 13 the camping trips that I went on with Fred as my scout master were very good for me; I learned a lot from him and he made scouting fun for me and helped me in my rank advancements and merit badges; which wasn't as much as his son Mike, or Mont Richter, or Jack Shapiro, but for me it was a lot! At least more than my older brothers! The Mellen family has always been so kind to me and I loved growing up in the Cannon 1st ward. So many good people. Fred influenced my life for good as well as his dear wife Fonda. I am forever grateful to them both. When I started dating my wife Bonnie in High School and would bring her to our ward, the Mellens were so kind to her as well, and she sends her love and condolences to you all. God bless you all at this time with peace and reassurance that we will be together again in one grand reunion. With Love and sincere condolences,
Luke & Bonnie McDermott
Goodbye Grampa.
I know what a blessing this is to have him pass peacefully. I also know how he’ll be missed. I will miss new stories and always willing to hear the old ones. What a character this man was. I absolutely appreciate the humor and life he added to life.
Carry on in faith.
You lived a long and adventurous life.
Grandpa you will be missed.