Melvin M. Verbeck, age 84 of Oroville, went home peacefully to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 with his beloved wife and daughter by his side. He was born August 31, 1930 in Olympia to parents Gaylen and Helen Verbeck.

The family moved to Tonasket where Melvin was raised. He attended the Tonasket Schools and graduated from Tonasket High School in 1948. He attended Laverne College for one year and then moved to Olympia where he worked with his uncle building a commercial fishing boat. He moved back to Tonasket and began working at Verbeck Brothers until entering the US Army in 1951 where he served as a medic.

On July 12, 1952 he married Norma Gerken in Ellisforde. Following an honorable discharge, he moved back to Tonasket and returned to work for Verbeck Brothers. In 1955, the family moved to Oroville and there, Melvin ran the redi-mix plant. In 1956, they purchased property on Highway 97 South of Oroville where they built a home and planted an orchard. Together they lived there until retirement in 1981 when they moved to their current home on Lake Osoyoos.

Melvin spent time enjoying the lake especially sailboarding, catamaran sail boating and fishing. He also enjoyed hunting and traveling with his family and friends. For many years he and his wife, Norma, enjoyed Square Dancing together. Melvin was active and attended the Oroville Free Methodist Church and was a member of the Oroville American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Noma, at home; daughter Beverlie Manthie of Oroville; granddaughter Dawn Mathie of Post Falls, Idaho and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Dwayne and son-in-law, Kip Manthie.

Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the Ellisforde Brethren Cemetery with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. at the Oroville Free Methodist Church. Officiating the services will be Pastor Rod Brown and the Oroville American Legion. Memorials may be made to the Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202; US Armed Forces Legacy, P.O.Box 854, Tonasket, WA 98855 or an organization of choice.

Bergh Funeral Service and Crematory is in care of arrangements.