Mel Bagley, 88, of Bowman, ND, passed away on July 15, 2023 at the Southwest Healthcare in Bowman.

Funeral services for Mel will be on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 10am and the Bowman Lutheran Church in Bowman.  Pastor Renee Johnson will officiate with burial to follow in the Bowman Cemetery.  There will be a Family and Friends Service on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 7pm at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel.  Visitation for Mel will be on Friday from 12-9 at the funeral home chapel.

Melfred A. Bagley, 88 of Bowman, ND passed away on July 15, 2023 at Southwest Healthcare Facilities in Bowman.  He is survived by his wife Meredythe Bagley of Bowman; daughter Gwen Kelly of Bismarck; son Kirk Bagley (Lisa) of Rapid City SD; daughter-in-law Janel Bagley of Bowman; grandchildren Mathew Bagley (Sarah) of Charlotte NC; Andrew Bagley (Courtney) of Bowman, Brett Kelly (Ann) of Eden Prairie MN, Brad Kelly of Bismarck, Peyton Bagley of Rapid City SD and 2 great-grandchildren Bria and Brody Bagley of Charlotte NC.

Melfred, fondly known as Mel, was born to Delbert and Florence Bagley on November 18, 1934 in Bowman ND.  He graduated Bowman High School in 1952 and North Dakota State School of Science two years later with a degree in Electrical Technology.  After graduating, he enlisted in the Army and spent that time at the Red Stone Arsenal in Alabama.  Our family has heard many stories about his escapades with his fellow soldiers in Mexico, while on leave.  We sometimes wondered how he got out of Alabama in one piece.  Upon returning from the Army, he worked in the electrical field in Minnesota and Colorado but soon returned to the place he loved, Bowman, where he worked 30+ years for Montana Dakota Utilities.

In 1962, he met and married Meredythe Hamre, the new schoolteacher in town.  They went on to have three children, Gwen, Kevin and Kirk.  Mel traveled many miles supporting his children in their many activities and even in their adulthood he was there to lend a supporting hand.  Mel was a man whose impact will be forever felt by his family that loves him dearly.  His ability to sacrifice, support, and love will be forever engrained in all of us.

Mel enjoyed running and for a good part of his life you would see him running the roads of Bowman County.  He had a passion for living and was not afraid to try new adventures.  At age 50, he completed a 50-mile Ultra Marathon to commemorate this milestone.  To mark his retirement, he went sky diving.  On a trip to New Zealand and Australia, he bungee jumped from a bridge.  A hot air balloon ride was also checked off his lengthy bucket list.  He was an avid water skier as well, and whether it was performing in a water ski show or just teaching his kids orthe neighborhood kids, he thoroughly enjoyed sharing his passion with others. He had an inner desire to challenge himself, and by doing so he enjoyed a life well lived.

Mel was immensely proud of the community in which he lived.  Because of this, he volunteered his services to many organizations and people.  He was a lifelong member of the Bowman Volunteer Fire Department and had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of this with his son Kevin and grandson Andrew.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents Delbert and Florence, his brother Floyd, sister Delberta Kulseth and son Kevin.

A heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Southwest Healthcare Services for the wonderful care and compassion they expressed to both Mel and the family during this time.