Melvin A. “Mel” Olmstead of Rochester and a Harbor resident for over 40 years, died on Tuesday, December 25, 2012, in Centralia. He was 89. Mel was born October 25, 1923, in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Melvin Eugene and Ruby Pearl (Gowan) Olmstead. He grew up in South Dakota and after serving in the Army he married Hazel Loretta Anderson on November 7, 1958, in Centralia. She survives him at the family home. Mel enjoyed summer camping trips, car rides in the country, watching sports especially football, basketball and baseball.
In addition to his wife, Hazel, Mel is survived by his daughter, Marjorie Olmstead of Rochester; son, Jeff Olmstead of Olympia; stepdaughter, Gloria Rodgers of Yelm; stepsons, Dan Simpkins of Florence, Ariz. and Ron Simpkins of Aberdeen, Wash. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Mel is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Ruby; sister, Dorthy Olmstead; and stepdaughter, Evelyn Auston.