Charles Mehlum |
| Posted 2008-10-14 by Pat Wilson |
| MEHLUM, Charles Charles Mehlum. Loving husband, father, grandfather, dentist and friend passed away peacefully on September 27 (2004) in Phoenix at the age of 88. Charles was born September 2, 1916 in Amidon, North Dakota to Arndt and Dora Mehlum. Charles completed his secondary education at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota and continued with his studies at the University of Minnesota where he earned his dental degree in 1940. Two months after graduating, Charles married his high school sweetheart, Jessaline WEINDEL, at the Little Brown Church in the Dale, Iowa. The newlyweds moved to Karlstad, Minnesota where Charles' practice increasingly focused on children's dental care. Charles pursued his pediatric dentistry specialty training in Boston and received his board certification prior to moving to Phoenix in 1947. At the time, Charles was the only board certified Pediatric Dentist in the state of Arizona. His practice reached out to and met the special needs of children throughout the valley and state. In addition to private practice, Dr. Mehlum helped establish the Mercy Care Dental Clinic (for children) at St. Joseph's Hospital and spent many volunteer hours at the John C. Lincoln Children's Dental Clinic. As a leader in the local dental community, Charles was active in the state dental association and served many positions including President of the Central Arizona Dental Society and President of the Arizona State Dental Association. Dr. Mehlum served as President of the Pacific Dental Federation, in the American Dental Association's House of Delegates, and was of member of the Arizona State Board of Health. Charles was an active member of Augustana Lutheran Church as well as the Son's of Norway and the Swedish Vasa Club of America. Although passionate about his professional career serving others, Charles most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Family time consisted of good food, great conversation, and incredible people. Charles is survived by his wife Jessaline, daughter Elizabeth (Bill) CLARK, son David (Mary Jo) MEHLUM, daughter Mary EMERT, grandsons Eric (Megan) MEHLUM, Ryan (Stacy) Clark, Charles CLARK, JB EMERT, granddaughter Kristen MEHLUM, and great-grandchildren Emily and Aidan CLARK. Charles' family and many great friends will remember him always as being full of vim, vigor, and vitality. Services were held at A. L. Moore & Grimshaw at 710 W. Bethany Home Rd. In Lieu of flowers send donations in Dr. Charles Mehlum's name to Mercy Care Dental Clinic 350 W. Thomas Rd, Phoenix 85013 OR John C. Lincoln Children's Dental Clinic 9229 N. 4th St., Phoenix 85020. Published in The Arizona Republic on 10/6/2004. |
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