Christine Minta Mengel was born in Ashland, Oregon on April 8, 1949 to Norman and Doris Bergstrom. At the age of three the Bergstrom clan, including son Gregory, moved to Fort Dick in Del Norte County, where Norman worked as an assayer. In 1959 they moved a bit further south to Humboldt County, where the family settled on Hill Top Drive in Fortuna. During her years living in Fortuna Doris taught her to sew, knit, and do needle point. Christine was also active in 4-H all throughout her school years, and she entered her works in many fairs winning a second-place prize, two third-place prizes, and a gazillion blue first place ribbons. She once won the wool contest at the Humboldt County Fair and the prize was a whole week with other 4-H winners in Hawaii. Coincidentally, her future husband, unbeknownst to either of them, was in Hawaii at the same time on his way to Vietnam.

Christine was always incredibly humble about her successful endeavors, which included more than one Teacher of the Year for Small Schools awards, and so many more, too numerous to list. She had enough awards and prize ribbons to paper almost every wall in the house, but instead of showcasing her many accomplishments she instead relished in the wins, both big and small, of her beloved husband Ward, son Carl, numerous nieces and nephews, and the children that were lucky enough to call her Mrs. Mengel.

Christine loved children and with her best friend Patty Schuler went off to Humboldt State University to earn a degree in Education so that she could be a teacher. And what a teacher she was: Her kids loved her, the kids’ parents loved her, and she was generally loved all around. She lived to teach and did so for 39 years at Rio Dell Elementary. Some of the teachers and staff that she was very fond of included Diane Porter, Debbie Andrews, John Dimmick, and Mary Varner (apologies if we’ve forgotten anyone, she really did have so much love for so many).

Before finding and marrying her lifelong partner, Christine and Diane Porter would take many trips together growing to be lifelong friends to this very day. When she was 29, the handsome Mr. Ward Mengel entered into her life, crossing paths at a dance club. Ward asked her to dance and he never let her go for the next 46 years. They were married in the Methodist Church in Fortuna on June 24, 1978. Not too long thereafter arrived their only son Carl Maxwell, who was doted on and did not want for much as the only grandchild of Norman and Doris. That being said, you won’t find a harder worker than Carl.

Being a school teacher afforded Christine a few months off each year, and Ward was able to take advantage of his long tenure at his job to take off a month each summer. They made the most of their time and traveled through many states and Canadian provinces, having so much fun and creating wonderful memories and stories to take back to the classroom.

Christine was involved in many community groups such as the Soroptimist International of the Eel river Valley. During her 12 years as a member and officer she had another opportunity to visit Hawaii. Her favorite part though, was being in charge of “Girls of the Month”, in which each month one girl from local high schools would receive an award and $50 for academic excellence. She loved the meetings and the people and missed few opportunities to engage over those 12 years.

She was also a member of the Garden Club taking part in home tours, flower sales and teas. She and Diana Porter had a corner plot downtown Fortuna and we were all very proud of it. Christine also attended church and took part in United Methodist Women’s group. Christine was an amazing mother, wife, friend, sister, and aunt who’s smile was infectious and her laugh an easy thing. She did not have a want for friends, and she will be missed dearly by those that knew and loved her.

Christine is survived by husband Ward Mengel, and son Carl Mengel (wife Tonya, kids Kayla and James); brother Gregory Bergstrom; brothers-in-law Lowell Mengel II, and Russell Mengel (wife Donna); sister-in-law Marie Cochrane; and many nieces and nephews. Christine was predeceased by her parents Norman and Doris Bergstrom.

A service will be held at Methodist Church in Fortuna at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to an organization Christine would appreciate: Hospice, Soroptimist, Garden Club, 4-H, etc.

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