Frances A Melchert

MIDDLETON/CLINTON, IA – Frances A. Melchert, age 97, died on Monday, December 17, 2012 at All Saints Memory Care in Madison. Frances Raun was born on August 9, 1915 in Clinton, IA, the daughter of Jens and Esther (Meinke) Raun. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1933. Frances married Edmund Melchert on September 10, 1939, in Clinton, IA. She was a charter member of Chancy Evangelical Lutheran Church in Clinton where she served as president of the church’s women’s group and served on many of the church council’s committees. Frances was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting and knitting for her family. She also loved playing cards and reading, but her great joy was spending time with her family. In 1995, Frances moved to Middleton, WI, and joined St. Luke’s Lutheran Church where she participated in Merry Mission and other volunteer activities. She is survived by her daughters, Vicki (Alan) Hamstra of Middleton and Barbara Melchert of Madison; three grandsons, Michael (Emily), John, and Scott (Val Hein and Bodie) Hamstra; a great granddaughter, Chloe Hamstra; two great grandsons, Tyler and Brady Hamstra; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her sister, Evelyn Cave. Services will be held at ST. LUKE’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 21, 2012, with Pastor Heather Lampert officiating. Burial will be at the Clinton (Iowa) Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. The family wishes to thank the administration and staff at All Saints Assisted Living and Memory Care and the Agrace HospiceCare team for your kindness and care of mom and her family. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Fran’s name to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Middleton or Agrace HospiceCare. Cemetery: Burial will be at the Clinton (Iowa) Memorial Cemetery