Obituary of Arthur Melcher

Arthur J. Melcher Age 92. Passed away Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home with his family by his side. Born September 22, 1922 in Braidwood, he lived in Joliet most of his life. Art was a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Force during World War II. After the war, Art and his brother, Don, had a Clover Farm Grocery Store in Frankfort. When they closed the grocery store, Art began his career with State Farm Insurance in New Lenox, where he was an insurance agent for 34 years retiring in 1995. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 58 years, Dorothy (Hayes) Melcher, and that union was blessed with Art's eight surviving children, Jim (Judy), Ray (Sue), Sharon (Craig Woodworth), Bob (Bonnie), Bill, Marianne Melcher, Terrie (John) Murphy, and Kathy Miller; 22 grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Art was blessed to find love and companionship again, and is survived by his current wife, Marilyn Sackman Melcher, and that seven year union added to his family David (Mary Ellen) Harris, Linda (Terry) Stapleton, and Darren (Marie) Sackman; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nephews. Art was preceded by his parents, Arthur and Anastasia Melcher; three brothers; and one sister. The family wishes to thank his doctors, Presence St. Joseph Medical Center Cardiac ICU, and Joliet Area Community Hospice Home for their excellent care and comfort given to Art and his family during his recent illness. All friends and relatives are invited to gather at St. Jude Catholic Church, 241 W 2nd Ave, New Lenox, for a visitation from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2015. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. Military rites will be accorded following Mass. Entombment at a later date will be in Resurrection Mausoleum, Romeoville. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. Arrangements by Fred C. Dames Funeral Home. For information (815) 741-5500.