Melanie Wichern
September 19, 1966 - August 09, 2021
Obituary
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine… you'll never know dear, how much I love you."
MADISON - Melanie (Leskinen) Wichern, age 54, of Madison, passed away at home on Monday, Aug. 9, 2021. She was born on Sept. 19, 1966, in Madison, the daughter of Sigurd and M. Marlyne (Schwartz) Leskinen.
Melanie is survived by her children, Joshua Wichern and Margaret Wichern (James Babb); siblings, T.J. Leskinen (Klare), Victoria Leskinen and William Leskinen (Rebecca); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Melanie graduated from La Follette High School in Madison, class of 1984.
An avid reader, Melanie found her calling as a Library Page in the surrounding Madison area. She enjoyed educating others through literature and would gladly offer the titles of her favorite books. She could often be found researching and reading about history and genealogy.
Melanie also enjoyed exploring her creative side. She excelled in decorating ceramics; a tradition that has been passed down for many generations in her family. She would bake hundreds of Christmas cookies for family and friends, a treat that everyone looked forward to. She made sure that her mom’s special recipes were passed down to her children after years of baking with them.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Graveside services will be held at HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS, 3054 County Highway BB, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug, 19, 2021. A celebration of Melanie's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Madison Public Library Foundation in her name. Please visit
Events
Graveside
Thu Aug 19, 2021 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 Highway BB, Madison, WI 53716
Graveside Service
Thu Aug 19, 2021 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
Photos
No photos of Melanie have been shared yet.
Memories
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Karen Spahr
Other •
I am so very sorry for your loss. Melanie was a sweet angel and dear friend. I will miss her! With deepest sympathy,
NK
Nancy Kimsey
Other •
I went to high school with Melanie. She and my sister, Karen, were close friends and we often all hung out together. She was always so happy and fun to be around. My deepest sympathies to all of Melanie’s family. I am so very sorry for your loss. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed. -Nancy (Spahr) Kimsey
GC
Geri Cupery
Other •
I worked with Melanie at E.D. Locke Public Library from 2005-2016. She had a great sense of humor & was so down to earth ~ I’m so glad I got to know her! After retiring, whenever I’d stop by the library I was always happy to see her & catch up a bit. My deepest condolences to her children, her family & all those who hold her dear. ~ Geri Ceci Cupery 🙏
GF
George and Tama (DePrey) Frazier
Other •
How often we forget how short life is... Father-in-law Dean Wichern lost his brother, too. Melanie and James, her former spouse, always did everything they could to hold the family together. Jodene, Melanie's sister-in-law, and I had concerns for Melanie because she couldn't give the world all of the creative gifts that she wanted to share with her former husband James and their children.
RS
Rich Sweet
Other •
Melanie was my first serious girlfriend and I was of course smitten with her. Special thoughts and blessings go out to her family who so many years ago welcomed me and treated my like I was one of them. They were all so kind to me. Even when Melanie and I stopped dating, we stayed friends, lost touch, and I was glad to find her again online several years ago. I am so sorry for your loss. Peace and love to her and her family - Rich "Curly" Sweet