Melvin August Bjugstad, age 93, of Rice Lake, WI, died Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in Rice Lake, WI. He was born on November 25, 1932 in Barron, WI to Einar and Clara (Gillett) Bjugstad.

Mel graduated from Barron High School in 1950 and then entered the United States Navy and was later Honorably Discharged. He was married to Dorothy Anderson in Pine City, MN in September of 1957. Mel worked for Gustafson Dairy, Chippewa Trails, was a school bus driver and also painted homes.

Mel was a volunteer fireman, was on the National Guards, played the guitar, sang at 712 funerals, was a charter member of the Barber Shop Choir and was active in the Fairtime Chapel. He received 1st place in music and singing at the Veterans Creative Arts in Minneapolis. Mel admired Marilyn Monroe his whole life. He was very proud of his Norwegian Heritage and loved Lutefisk and Lefse.

He is survived by 2 sons, Paul (Emily) Bjugstad and Thomas (Glenda) Bjugstad; 2 daughters-in-law, Leona Bjugstad and Debra Bjugstad; 3 grandchildren, Bethany (Travis) Riewestahl, Dan (Casady) Bjugstad and Eric Bjugstad (Mia); 3 great grandchildren, Alyse Riewestahl, William (Alexa) Bjugstad and Donara Bjugstad; a sister, Phyllis Johnson; a half sister, Barb Bjugstad; many nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Bjugstad; a son, James Bjugstad; his parents, Einar and Clara Bjugstad; stepmother, Helen Bjugstad; 2 brothers, Gerald and Norman Bjugstad; a sister, Arlene Swanson; and a half sister, Judy Williams.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Stanfold Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Rev. John Bergson officiating, with interment in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service. The family would like to thank Heritage Lakeside in Rice Lake for all the love and compassion that they all gave to Mel.

Last Update: Sep 25, 2026 9:28 am CDT