Mel Bjorge dies at 53

Melville "Mel" John Bjorge, 53, of Wrangell, passed away on Sept. 12, 2021, from natural causes, the family said.

Mel was born June 25, 1968, at Bishop Rowe Hospital. He was the last baby born at Bishop Rowe before the new Wrangell hospital opened.

He was a 20-year employee of the hospital. "He was loved by all at the hospital, especially the long-term care residents," his family wrote. "He will be missed by all."

He is survived by his father, Melville B "Bucky" Bjorge, and his mother, Carol Sumpter.

A memorial service was held at Harbor Lights Church on Oct. 19, 2021.