"Of all my great uncles, he and Harlan were the best. I had them at my hunting cabin many years ago and it was a blast listening to their stories. He was the last of the Berhows. My Grandmother Mae was his sister. He was family and will be missed. Fair winds and following seas Uncle Milford."
In loving memory of
Milford LeRoy Berhow
June 4, 1927 - January 8, 2021
Milford L. Berhow, age 93, of Rochester, MN died on Friday, January 8, 2021 at the Arbor Terrace Memory Care unit in Rochester, MN.
Milford LeRoy Berhow (Mel) was born June 4, 1927 in Albert Lea, MN the son of Henry and Josie (Jacobson) Berhow. He graduated from Albert Lea High School. He served in the United States Navy on the USS Hornet during WWII. Mel was in the group of sailors honored with a Presidential Citation for service on the USS Hornet. He joined the Army National Guard upon his return home and was activated for the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from the Army and Navy.
Milford was united in marriage to Helen Rensmon on May 28, 1950 at Bristol Lutheran Church in Worth County, Iowa. They began their married life together in Albert Lea, MN then moved to Rochester, MN in 1954. Milford worked as an Electronic Specialist at IBM for 33 years until his retirement in 1989.
Mel was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the Gloria Dei Men's Club, Kiwanis Club and IBM Retirees Club. He enjoyed duck hunting, walleye fishing, camping, reading and gardening.
A private family celebration of life will be held at Autumn Ridge Church's Timothy Chapel, Rochester, MN. Pastors Paul McDonald and Jamie Robinson will officiate. Interment will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens with full military honors.
He is survived by two daughters, Jane (Gene) Frank of Rochester, MN and Nancy (Michael) Stadille of San Diego, CA; three grandchildren, Matthew (Amber) Frank, Jillian (Shawn) Elsbury and Nicholas (Cristy) Stadille; three great grandchildren, Hayley and Lucas Frank, and Riley Elsbury.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Helen in 2017; four brothers and five sisters.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Arbor Terrace Memory Care Unit for the loving care and kindness given to Mel during the four years he resided there. They would also like to thank Seasons Hospice for providing skilled care during his final month of life.
Memorials may be given to the Memory Care Unit at Arbor Terrace, 700 Northwest Second Avenue, Rochester, MN 55901.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Berhow family. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Tributes
"Mel was such a good friend to Tom and I. For 20 years he was the best of neighbors and Tom's hunting and fishing partner. Opening of duck season would find them along with Duane and my boys at Bob's cabin to hunt, cook and play cards. When I worked nights Mel and Roger would come over for popcorn and a smoke or two in the basement. Mel and Helen were such good people I miss those times with them. Glad they are back together. Tom is probably talking Mel into some ice fishing about now and Helen is calling ... "Melford"!! They are missed and loved by all. ???? Ann"
"Dear Jane & Gene, sending love, hugs and prayers because your dad has returned to God. Remember to giggle and laugh at the memories along with the tears of missing him. Nancy & Tom "