Jimmy Elmer Melcher

Jimmy Elmer Melcher, 91, of Onalaska, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Jimmy was born on January 13, 1934, to Harvey and Ruth (Anderson) Melcher in La Crosse, WI. He was the middle child, having five older and five younger siblings. He graduated from Central High School, La Crosse, in 1953.

He married his high school sweetheart, Doris Helen Fillner, on September 19,1953, and they had three children, Daniel, Karen, and Joseph and settled in Onalaska, WI.

Jim worked at Trane Company in La Crosse for 40 years, mostly as a welder, but finishing his career with them in logistics on October 1, 1995, when he retired. He also served in the National Guard.

Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed camping, deer hunting (searching for that big buck) with his sons, and fishing with family. He also spent many weekends with the family at the cabin in Hatfield. Jim also enjoyed woodworking. He spent many hours in his shop creating beautiful furniture and other items (which were stained and varnished by Doris) including cradles, toy boxes, and hope chests for his grandchildren.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 71 years, Doris, son Daniel Melcher (Arlie Mae Neri), daughter, Karen (Gordon) Schultz, son Joseph (Carol) Melcher, grandchildren Lee (Sheila) Melcher, Michael (Jessica) Melcher, Joshua (Kathryn Larocco) Schultz, Kyle (Yali Ghang) Schultz, Shanda (Zach Isbach) Melcher, Cassandra (Lucas) Guthrie, Samantha (Michael Delgado) Melcher, Colman Melcher, great grandchildren Brieanne and Makaila Rae Melcher, Ben Melcher, Nico Delgado, and Clara Guthrie, and step great grandchildren Evan and Nora. He is further survived by sisters Lucille 'Honey' Peterson, Phyllis Lord, Lois (Ron) Sherman, brothers Jerry (Barb) Melcher, and Harvey 'Junior' Melcher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marion Rohde, brothers, Harlan 'Bud' (Carol) Melcher, Donald (Alice) Melcher, Dick (Janice) Melcher, Norm (Joyce) Melcher, brothers-in-law Wendel Peterson, Albert Lord, sister-in-law Marilyn Melcher, and infant grandson Adam Schultz.

Funeral services will be held on Friday March 21st at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse, WI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the service starting at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, burial will take place at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park and a luncheon will be provided by the family.