John David Melcher

November 4, 1943 - October 8, 2017

John David Melcher, 73, entered his eternal life on October 8, 2017 surrounded by his loving family and Pastor. John was born in Racine on November 4, 1943 to Charles and Adeline (nee: Wickner) Melcher. He attended Park High School where he was a top runner and graduated in 1962. John went on to attend Stout University where he studied Industrial Education. In 1965 he joined the Army National Guard and remained enlisted until 1971. During that time he fell in love and on November 6, 1968 was united in marriage to Judith Kosterman. Together they had three children whom they cherished greatly, John “Scott”, Jennifer “Jennie”, and Michelle “Mickie”. John lived for his family and his loving devoted ways was a gift he not only shared with his family but with everyone he met. For 35 years he was devoted to 3M as a Master Technician. John created many friendships and cherished each one. He devoted countless hours coaching the many youth in his running club, Lakeshore Track Club. John cared about each child he coached and encouraged them to be their best. For over 30 years he was a dedicated member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church and volunteered as the youth director. John was able to give so many youth memories they will cherish for a lifetime. He was such a fun loving man who put a smile on everyone’s face. Even during his illness, when he could no longer communicate, he still found ways to make you laugh and brought sunshine to the cloudiest of days. John is survived by his son, John (Wendy) Melcher of Round Lake Il; daughters: Jennifer (Kelly Kuhl) Melcher of Oshkosh and Michelle (Jon) Mazur of Kenosha; his grandchildren: Sydney and Ashley Melcher of Round Lake Il, Esmeralda Carpenter of Bayview, Brandon, Cristian and Acasia Melcher of Oshkosh, Jon Jr., Devin, Rylee, and Kyiah Mazur of Kenosha; his great granddaughter, Ryan Melcher of Oshkosh; his brothers and sisters: Charles (Nancy) Melcher of Franksville, Jo Zuehlke of Ohio, and Larry (Maryjane) Melcher of Racine; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends. John was proceeded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 49 years, and his grandson, Baby J. A celebration of Jon’s life will be held at United Lutheran Church, 3825 Erie Street, on Friday, October 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Committal services will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery off Highway 32. Visitation will start at 9:00 a.m. Memorial may be directed to Our Harmony Club, P.O. Box 457, Sturtevant, WI 53177. Online condolences may be shared at www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com. The family of John would like to thank Dawn and the volunteers at Harmony Club, the work you do is amazing. We would also like to extend our greatest gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at the Addison of Pleasant Prairie Memory Care and Heartland Hospice for all the love, compassion, and dedication you gave to our father. You were all his guardian angels and never forget that happy whistle he had.