Obituary of Maurice Joseph Melcher

Maurice Joseph Melcher completed his earthly journey August 18, 2011, at age 94. Our sweet papa was born in Saginaw, Michigan, to Maude and Joseph Melcher on April 22, 1917. After graduating from Saginaw High School, dad worked as a patternmaker at Wolverine Pattern until he and three friends founded United Pattern & Mfg. in 1956, later retiring in 1979. He was exempt from military service during World War II due to his company providing essential service for the war effort, supporting military and aerospace instead of automotive. On January 11, 1941, he married our dear, sweet mother Katherine (Kaki) Schultz. Early days found them square dancing in the basement with friends, taking Chinese cooking classes, traveling, reading, dining with the Friday night "Fish Bunch," and attending St. John's Lutheran Church. Maurie also enjoyed golfing at the Germania Club, raising violets, being a member of the Serendipity Club, and participating in the YMCA Toastmasters and the YMCA Retired Men's Fellowship Club. Dad was also a member of SPEBSQSA (barbershop), singing in "Men of A Chord" quartet for many years. When there was a good breeze, he loved sailing his Lightning sailboat, "Sea Foam" and enjoyed the camaraderie at the Bay City Yacht Club. After Kaki, his dear wife of 58 years passed away on July 22, 1999, he decided to join his daughter in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Eighty-two years of snow, slush, and wintery grey Michigan skies were enough for him! He reveled in the warmth and sunshine of Florida. He loved it there; he'd often comment on "so much green" and enjoyed all the water birds. Cruising alligators caught his attention as well. The move gave him the opportunity to rekindle his love of singing, blending his beautiful tenor voice with a ukulele group that entertained around Jacksonville. In 2000, he decided to take up watercolor painting, creating many beautiful works of art. The move to Florida also gave him the opportunity to date two lovely ladies (one a former Saginaw gal!) with whom he enjoyed dinners, movies and trips into his 90s! Dad lived a very full, happy, healthy, and wonderful life. Always wise, content, positive, and very much a gentleman, he was much loved and will be greatly missed. Leaving behind are his children, Bradley (Angelita) Melcher, Saginaw; Gordon (Wendy) Melcher, Portland, OR; Lauren Melcher Gold, New York, NY; and Marlene Melcher, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; grandchildren, Andrejs, Kurt, Karl, Grey (Maren), Mac, Ry and Nina Melcher, Mark Oxley; great-grandchildren, Alec and Adrienne Melcher, and great-grand "Baby" Melcher due 11/11. Predeceasing him were brother, Wesley Melcher; sister, Virginia Melcher Zucker; grandson, Winston Melcher; and great-granddaughter, Andriana Melcher. Friends are welcome to visit with the family Monday, August 22, 2011, 3:00-5:00 pm at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State), Saginaw. Phone (989)-799-1151. Maurice will be laid to rest beside his wife Katherine in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. A private service for the family will be held on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember him may make donations to Haven Hospice, (8301 Cypress Plaza Dr. Suite 119, Jacksonville, FL - 32256), the wonderful caring people who helped make the final leg of his journey one of peace and comfort, or to the charity of your choice.