MelicharGraceEGrace E. Melichar, 86, of Willow Road in the Town of Port Washington, died Thursday, January 5, 2012 surrounded by her family at her residence.

She was born October 10, 1925 in Plainview, Minnesota to Rudolph and Clara Carpenter Miller.  Her father was a carpenter and moved the family to South Lakeshore Road in Grafton for work where  she attended Grafton area schools.  She married Benjamin C. Melichar of the Town of Port Washington on May 27, 1946.  In 1951 they moved to the family farm on Willow Road.  They were members of Grand Avenue United Methodist Church in Port Washington and the American Milk Producers, Inc.  Benjamin preceded her in death March 31, 1982.

Grace was  lovingly referred to as the herdsman of the family, house and farm.  She was friendly to everyone and always helpful to those in need.  After her husband died she enjoyed traveling with family and friends by car and train.  She also enjoyed quilting and donated many of her creations to numerous causes.  She took great pleasure and pride in caring for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children Kate Smith of Port Washington, Steve (Barb) Melichar of Whitefish, MT, Peggy (Jim) Stenberg of Cedar Grove, Ben (Cheryl) Melichar of Fillmore, Tootsie (Steve) of Port Washington, Jim (Sherri) Melichar, Tom (Lisa) Melichar both of the Town of Port Washington and the late Danny Melichar.  Further survived by 18 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, siblings Irene (Bob) Dushenski of Oshkosh, Clara Neumann of Port Washington, �Butch� Clarence Miller of Port Washington  and Leonard (Carol) Miller of South Milwaukee, sisters-in-law Evelyn Melichar of Grafton, Marie Prom of Richfield and  Mary Jane Melichar of Cedarburg, other relatives and friends.  Preceded in death by grandchildren Carrie Sue Ballbach and Brandon Melichar, brothers  Paul, Arnold, Donald and Ralph Miller and sisters Ruth Grady and Emily May.

Funeral Services 7PM Mon. Jan. 9, 2012 at Grand Ave. United Methodist Church, 505 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington.  Visitation 4-7PM Mon. AT CHURCH.  Memorials to Grand Ave. Church appreciated.

Sincere Thanks to Nancy and staff at  Home Instead in home care and also Carmen, Nicole and staff of Odyssey Hospice, West Allis for your kind service to our family.

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