Melvin G. Brenno passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Knipp Hopper Home where he’d been staying since January. He was 95.

Melvin was born June 11, 1908 to Halvor and Betty (Birgit Mortensen) Brenno in Valdez, Alaska. Halvor and Betty left their home in Kensett, Iowa and settled in Valdez during the Alaska gold rush in the early 1900s.

The Brenno family came to Vashon Island in 1918 and were self employed in farming. Melvin graduated from Vashon High School in 1928. After graduating he worked building smoke stacks.

In the 1930s, Mel returned to Alaska, this time to Juneau. He worked as an electrician in a gold mine. He took a vacation to visit his Aunt Mary in Kensett and while there, he met Hanna Bray (Bratrud). After corresponding for several years, they were married Aug. 8, 1937, in Juneau.

Hannah and Melvin returned to Vashon in 1942. Mel worked for Todd Shipyard during the war and then went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1950. He retired from Burlington Northern Railroad in 1973. He was a member of the International Brother-hood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 67 years.

Hannah passed away in 1988. She and Melvin had been married over 50 years.

After a year of bachelor life, Mel began to visit his very dear friend of over 60 years, Clara Grambo, of Kelso, WA. The two were married May 20, 1989 in Kelso. Clara passed away Nov. 21 of that same year.

Mel (or “Rosie” as he was known by some) is best remembered for his wonderful disposition, fun-loving antics and practical jokes. He always had a smile on his face and twinkle in his blue eyes. He was well loved by his family, neighbors and many friends.

Melvin was a member of the Mark P. Wasterman (Burton) Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his brother Harold of Vashon, nieces and nephews, Dick and

Valerie Marsh of Camano Island, Robert and Diane Brenno, Bobby and Betty Lewis, George and Barbara Brenno, Ken and Barbara Cooper of Vashon, Martin and Shirley Bratrud of Kensett, numerous grand nieces and nephews, and his dear friend Thelma Knutson of Everett.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 13, 11 a.m. at Vashon Lutheran Church, internment at Vashon Cemetery.

There will be a reception following at the church. Visitation at Island Funeral service, Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m.

Memorials or remembrances are suggested to Vashon Lutheran Church.