Judith Ann Melcher's Obituary
Judith Ann Melcher, 70, peacefully entered her eternal life on January 28, 2017 with family at her side.
Judy was born in Racine on December 24, 1946 to Albert and Marion “Grace” (nee: Zierk) Kosterman Sr. She attended Holy Name and St. Catherine’s High School where she graduated in 1966.
On November 16, 1968 Judy was united in marriage to John David Melcher. Together they raised and cherished their three children, John “Scott”, Jennifer “Jennie”, and Michelle “Mickie”.
While the children were young, Judy was a homemaker and eventually started an in-home daycare. She whole heartedly loved and cared for every child that came into her home. The neighbor children knew her house as the place to go for the best snacks around. Making children smile was her calling in life.
When Judy became a grandmother, it was a new joy she had never experienced. She felt that joy with the birth of each grandchild and her great granddaughter. They were all like a piece of heaven to her. When they smiled, she smiled. They were her rock and they were her world.
In December of 1995, Judy was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. She was given a grim prognosis, but she fought and never let her strength fade. She won the battle, but for the next 22 years, she was met with many health challenges. With every battle she thought of her grandchildren and fought so she could be with them another day. She beat every odd with strength and dignity. She was small but she was strong. Judy fought until she could fight no more. From Judy to every friend and family: “Please don’t think I am leaving because I don’t want to be with you. I want to be here, but I am tired and I can’t fight anymore.” She loved you all.
Judy is survived by her loving husband, John Melcher; her son, John “Scott” (Wendy) Melcher of Round Lake Ill; her daughters, Jennifer (Kelly Kuhl) Melcher of Oshkosh and Michelle “Mickie” (Jon) Mazur of Kenosha; her grandchildren, Sydney Melcher and Ashley Melcher of Round Lake Ill, Esmeralda Carpenter of Bayview, Brandon Melcher, Cristian Melcher, and Acasia Melcher of Oshkosh, Jon Mazur Jr, Devin Mazur, Rylee Mazur, and Kyiah Mazur of Kenosha; her great granddaughter, Ryan Melcher of Oshkosh; her brothers and sisters, Mary (Dave) Gobis of Racine, Tom (Diane) Kosterman of Waupaca, Albert (Vickie) Kosterman Jr. of Racine, Jim (Debbie) Kosterman of Arkansas, Richard (Kathy) Kosterman of Caledonia, and Betty (Don) Kusserow of Wild Rose; as well as many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends. Judy was proceeded in death by her parents, her grandson, Baby J; and her sisters, Karen Kosterman-Clever and Joan Raschke.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin, on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 11:00 am with Fr. Allan Bratkowski celebrating. A committal ceremony will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery off Highway 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church from 9:00 am until 10:45 am. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com.
The family of Judy would like to thank the Doctors and staff at St. Catherine’s in Kenosha, the Doctors and staff at Ascension – All Saints in Racine, the Staff at Brookside in Kenosha, and the staff at Willowcrest in South Milwaukee for all the compassion and care you have given our mother through the years.
What’s your fondest memory of Judith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Judith?
Share a story where Judith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Judith you’ll never forget.
How did Judith make you smile?
