Arthur J. Melby

Arthur John Melby, of La Crosse, WI passed away on October 11, 2023 unexpectedly at his home.  He was born on May 16, 1943 in La Crosse, WI, he was the son of the late Lewis J. and Margaret A. (Bedessem) Melby.

Arthur was unified in marriage to Diane Sullivan on June 26, 1971.  Early in his life he was employed by Norplex and later in life had a full career and retired from Franciscan Skemp.  During that time, he and his wife, engaged in ventures of an independent antique business and establishing a residential rental business (AM Rental Properties).  Both Art and Diane pursued both avenues with great passion.

Arthur enjoyed the outdoors which included trapping, fishing and hunting.  He endeavored on many big game hunting trips which he did with his family.  Annually he and his brothers reconnected during their Canadian fishing trips.  Most notably, Arthur was known for his presence at auctions throughout the area.  This led to him being a collector of anything that was sold at the "right price".  However, one of Arthur's great joys was the arrival of his grandchildren, which significantly softened his personality.

He is survived by his three children; Scott Melby, Jason (Pamela) Melby and Jennifer Melby (Chad Burroughs); his grandchildren Scotty (Jessica) Melby, Tiffany Slade, Cassidy Melby, Andrew and Emily Larson, Ella and Lewis Melby.  Arthur is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Lewis (Eileen) Melby, Mary Campbell, Jeanne Schreiter, Chris Melby, and John Melby, and beloved family friend Sally Newman.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Diane L. Melby; his parents Lewis and Margaret Melby, his sister Patricia Melby, his brother Michael Melby, and of course, his loving poodle Chauncey McGue.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse, WI Pastor Kevin Bonnar will officiate. Visitation will be held from 12 PM until the time of service. All are welcome to join for a celebration of life being held and catered at the Moose Lodge located at 1932 Ward Ave., La Crosse at 3:00PM.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Art Melby’s name be sent to Kicking Bear Ministries.