John K. Melcher
John K. Melcher
John K. Melcher
June 19, 1938 – December 8, 2016
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 78
John Karl Melcher, 78, of Oskaloosa died Thursday, December 8, 2016, at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. John was born June 19, 1938, in Oskaloosa, the son of Howard and Bernice Heyland Melcher.
John graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1956. Following graduation John served in the United States Air Force.
Upon his discharge from the military he moved to Washington state and began working as a Washington State Trooper. He went on to work various jobs in many states including being a police officer in Oskaloosa and a pilot for Midwest Aviation in Ottumwa.
John lived life to the fullest, his entrepreneurial spirit led him all over the United States. He was proud to be an American he had a deep respect for the laws of the land. John was also a patriot, he never missed exercising his voting rights. He was especially pleased with the outcome of the most recent presidential election, he enjoyed following the presidential race and the election day progress on Fox News. He was the happiest when he was flying airplanes, and he was proud of the fact that President George H. Bush had been one of his passengers.
John was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa.
His family includes his two children: Scott Melcher of San Clemente, California and Susie Melcher-Ohlen of Kauai, Hawaii; seven grandchildren; two sisters and their husbands: Mary (& Bob) Brackett of West Des Moines and Melanie & Dr. Edward Hirl of Oskaloosa; a sister in law, Carolyn Melcher of Omaha; and many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ellen Kay Melcher; a brother, Mike Melcher; and two nephews, John and Patrick Melcher.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend John Spiegel officiating.
Burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa at 12:30 Wednesday afternoon. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Tuesday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Tuesday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Family and friends will be invited to pray the Rosary at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Bates Funeral Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Stephen’s Memorial Animal Shelter.
