SHELLSBURG – Colleen Marie Melcher Janko, 49, passed away Friday, July 14, 2017. Colleen Marie Melcher was born May 23, 1968, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to Robert and Joyce Miller Melcher. After graduating from M-F-L in Monona, where she was an outstanding basketball and softball athlete, she received her BSN degree from Viterbo University.
On May 24, 2003, she was united in marriage with Robb Janko at St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton.
Colleen worked as a registered nurse for 27 years at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton. She enjoyed fishing, cooking, going for walks, watching MMA fighting, the Cubs, Hawkeyes and, most importantly, time with family.
She is survived by her husband, Robb, and son, Caleb, of Shellsburg; her parents, Robert and Joyce Melcher of Monona; her siblings: Elizabeth Melcher of Davenport; Michael (Karen) Melcher of Mission, TX; Kevin (Kristin) Melcher of Ankeny; her twin, Carla (Corey) Pester of Monona; and Lori (Phillip) Travis of Shellsburg; father- and mother-in-law, Richard and Marvel Jean Janko of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Lori (Gene) Eckermann of Omaha, NE; nieces and nephews: Brandon and Jake Melcher, Katelyn and Kyle Melcher, Cayden and Carsten Pester, Cole, Cali and Cari Travis and Jessica and Ryan Rivera; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harlin and Ethel Miller and Earl and Helen Melcher; aunt and uncle, Marlys and Leonard Seitz; and cousin, Dawn Novak.
A memorial fund has been established.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton with Father Ardel Barta as Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton, and after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Shellsburg. A memorial Mass will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 22, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona.
Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Colleen and her family. Condolences may be left at vsrfh.com.