Francis A. Melcher

Francis A. Melcher, 90, of Seneca, died Monday, July 3, 2006, at Seneca.
     He was born March 7, 1916, on a farm southeast of St. Benedict, the son of Frank and Lena Bergman Melcher. He attended St. Mary’s School at St. Benedict. Francis helped on the family farm until he entered the U.S. Army for service during WWII.
     On May 11, 1944, he married Mildred Rettele at St. Mary’s Church at St. Benedict. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1994 and have always been active, contributing members of the community.
     Francis went to work for Standard Oil as a bulk agent following his military service. He sold gas and oil to many people in the area. On his route, he was known for good cheer and giving away bubble gum. Francis worked for Standard Oil until 1977.
     His memberships include Sts. Peter & Paul Church, the St. Joseph Society, the Knights of Columbus, the Fourth Degree Ponce de Leon Assembly, and the American Legion Post #21.
     Francis served on the Silver Hair Legislature for 3 terms and on the board of the Nemaha County Department of Aging for 19 years. He was very interested in electronics and enjoyed putting together radios. He also liked playing cards, bowling, and golf.
     Survivors are his wife Mildred of the home; three daughters, June Bower of Atchison, Kay Kent of Carlsbad, CA, and Debbie Quilty of Granbury, TX; a brother, Elmer Melcher of Seneca; three sisters, Lucille Wichman and Evelyn Waters, both of Seneca, and Lavon Strathman of Juda, WI; 7 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
     He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joyce Melcher, on December 30, 1967; his brother Vern, on March 11, 1976, and his sister Melita Haverkamp on July 2, 2004. He was also preceded in death by an infant sister in 1910, an infant twin brother and sister in 1914, and an infant brother in 1918.
     Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 AM Wednesday, July 5, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. An honor guard will be provided at all services by the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. The burial will be with military honors in the church cemetery. The rosary will be prayed at the Lauer Funeral Home at 3 PM on Tuesday, with a prayer service at 7 PM.
     Memorials may be given for the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, and sent in care of the family.