Gerald Melcher

Published 12:00 am Friday, June 26, 2009

Gerald E. Melcher, 72, of Walters, died peacefully after a lifelong battle with heart disease on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at his home.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at United Lutheran Church in Walters. The Donald Rose will officiate Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Wells.
Gerald Ernest Melcher was born Oct. 8, 1936, the son of Vernon and Louise (Malakowsky) Melcher in Wells. Gerald graduated from Wells High School, the class of 1955. On Sept. 15, 1958, he was united in marriage to Margaret Groskreutz in Wells. Gerald worked as a fur farmer for many years; later after retirement, he enjoyed a large garden and producing vegetables for the Wells Farmers Market. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities.
He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Melcher of Walters; four children: Sandra (Troy) Payne of Sartell, Sharyn (Clay) Miller of Wells, Mike (Teresa) Melcher of Owatonna, Jeff (Kelly) Melcher of Farmington; 10 grandchildren: Kirstyn (Britt) Wegner, Tami, Jill and Joey Miller, Kyle and Ryan Melcher,Luke and Logan Payne and Beau and Paige Melcher; and Margaret’s brothers and sisters along with their families.
He is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws: Alfred and Helena Groskreutz; brothers: Ervin and Manville Melcher; and daughter Susan in infancy.