Robert Earl Melcher, 75, of Monona, Iowa died Thursday, April 26, 2018 at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. Bob was born December 27, 1942 to Earl Francis and Helen Margaret (Schaefer) Melcher in Monona, Iowa. He graduated from Monona-Farmersburg High School in 1960 and attended one year of college at the Universal Trade School in Omaha, Nebraska. Bob was united in marriage with Joyce Miller on June 27, 1964 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona, Iowa. Six children were born to this union.
Bob worked as a Certified Master Automotive Technician and was employed at Huinker Chevrolet and Birdnow Chevrolet in Monona for over fifty years. After retiring Bob continued driving for Birdnow Chevrolet. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 8178 where he was a 3rd Degree Knight, serving as Treasurer, Deputy Grand Knight and Grand Knight. Bob was also a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, serving on several boards over the years including the St. Patrick Cemetery Board. Bob’s joy in life was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and helping others in his community. His countless hours of volunteer work included serving on the Monona Fire Department for over thirty years and as an EMT for over twenty years. Bob enjoyed fishing, dining out, playing cards and following all sports.
Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce of Monona, Iowa; five children, Elizabeth Melcher of Davenport, Iowa, Michael (Karen) Melcher of Mission, Texas, Kevin (Kristin) Melcher of Ankeny, Iowa, Carla (Corey) Pester of Monona, Iowa and Lori (Phillip) Travis of Shellsburg, Iowa; twelve grandchildren, Jessica, Ryan, Brandon (Carla), Jacob, Katelyn, Kyle, Cayden, Carsten, Caleb, Cole, Cali and Cari; sister, Mary (Richard) Nienke of Dubuque, Iowa; brother, Joseph (Jody) Melcher of Nevada, Iowa; brother-in-law, Dale (Arlene) Miller of Fredericksburg, Iowa; sister-in-law, Diana Miller of Farmersburg, Iowa and several nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Colleen Janko; parents, Earl and Helen Melcher; Father and Mother-in-law, Harlin and Ethel Miller; sister and brothers-in-law, Marlys and Leonard Seitz and Ronald Miller and one niece, Dawn Novak.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm with a 4:00 pm Knights of Columbus Rosary on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before mass at the church on Wednesday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Monona, Iowa with Rev. Nils de Jesus Hernandez as the Celebrant.
Burial will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Monona, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the MFL Ambulance Service, Monona Fire Department and St. Patrick Catholic Church Building Fund.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.