Melvin H. Damrow, age 94, of Helena

Melvin H. Damrow, 94, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of the Lord on Monday, December 19, 2016. He was surrounded by family.

Mel was born in Iron Ridge, Wisconsin on August 10, 1922, the son of Irma (Mertz) and Henry Damrow. He spent his early life in Mayville, WI.  He graduated from Mayville High School and Dodge County Teachers College.  He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where he received his Bachelor of Education degree, and then his Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.  He lived in Watertown, WI for over forty years while working as a school teacher, principal and administrator in the Watertown School System.

Mel served valiantly as an officer in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He was a 1st Lieutenant as a navigator on a B-17 Flying Fortress.  He survived flying 32 bombing missions over Nazi-occupied territory in Europe.  His combat missions included sorties to Berlin, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Dresden and Ploesti.  He was a member of the U.S. Army 15th  Air Force’s 483rd Bombardment Group.  He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for meritorious achievement in aerial flight.  He is a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, the Air Force Navigators Observers Association and the American Legion.

In 1946, Mel married Emma “Dolly” Dowidat. They had two sons, and were blessed with many happy years together.  Having lived in Wisconsin most of his life, Dolly and he moved to the West in 1989 to be near family.  They enjoyed 21 winters of retirement in Sun City West, AZ.  On June 1 of this year, Mel and Dolly celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary together.

Mel was an avid golfer, and shared his enthusiasm for the sport with his wife, children and grandchildren.  He was a board member and won many championships at the Watertown Country Club.  He was a member of Green Meadow Country Club in Helena.

He is survived by his wife, Emma; brother Anthony (Betty) Zuelsdorf of Albany, NY; children Ross (Ann) Damrow of Corvallis, MT, and Todd (Kim) Damrow of Helena; grandchildren Christopher Damrow of Columbia Falls, Justin (Tracy) Bjoin of Chandler AZ, Matt (Marcy Bjoin) of Las Vegas NV, Timothy (Meagan) Damrow of Missoula, Peter Damrow of Billings and Rebecca (Micah) Wells of Helena; and many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren, all of which he deeply cherished.

He was a devoted husband, loving father, incredible grandfather and friend. This is how Mel will be remembered.

A memorial funeral service for Melvin is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 27, at Valley View Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3000 N. Benton Avenue, Helena, MT. Burial with military honors will occur at a later date at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison.

Memorials in Mel’s name are suggested to Valley View Lutheran Church, 3000 N. Benton Ave., Helena, MT 59601, or to a charity of donor’s choice.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m.

Tuesday December 27, 2016

Valley View Evangelical Lutheran Church

3000 N. Benton Avenue

Helena , Montana 59601

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Reception

Following the service

Tuesday December 27, 2016

Valley View Evangelical Lutheran Church

3000 N. Benton Avenue

Helena , Montana 59601

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