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Hunter Melco Obituary

Hunter Terrence Melco, 31, beloved fiancée, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away after a traffic accident in Green Bay, WI on Sunday April 1, 2012.

Hunter was born in Princeton, Minn. on September 8th, 1980. His family moved to Wausau, Wis. in 1992. He graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1999. Hunter earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems and worked for J.J. Vanderson & Company in Blaine, Minn.

Hunter was an exceptional athlete, loyal friend, a dream son to his parents, an idol to his sister and loved to laugh with his family and friends. Hunter was planning an April 27th wedding in St. Augustine, Fla. where he was excited to marry his best friend and soul-mate Gena Schaepe. Hunter touched so many lives and will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his parents Bruce and Sandy Melco of Wausau, Wis.; his sister Lacey Melco of Green Bay, Wis.; and his loving fiancée Gena Schaepe, of Woodbury, Minn. Other survivors include his maternal grandparents Earl and Ruth Uecke of Lake Tomahawk, Wis. and his paternal grandfather Lowell (Buck) Melco of St. Anthony, Minn. and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Dorothy Melco, great-uncle Bill Clark and maternal uncles Terry Jon Uecke and Denis Uecke.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday April 5, 2012 at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6404 Old Costa Ln. Schofield, Wis. Rev. Robert Jordan will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Hunter's name.

Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com

Published by Wausau Daily Herald on Apr. 4, 2012.
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Happy Birthday Hunter. I miss you everyday.

Ian

September 8, 2012

I just learned today about Hunter's Passing.
It's been three months since the accident.
I worked with Hunter at JJVanderson, and left JJ a year before his death.
There are no words to describe my shock, but there are words to describe Hunter.

I'll start with honest.
There never was a time that you doubted Hunter's words.
He had an ego-less honesty.
It was as if he were cast in a movie to play George Washington.
He handled responsibility gracefully and never shirked accountability.

He was easy to like.
His clients and co-workers were instantly comfortable around him. He had a knack for communicating very complex technical matters to customers in a easy to understand and engaging manner.

He was conscientious.
He would do the right thing in a difficult situation. He would stay on a project or a task to meet a deadline or a customers expectation without batting an eye, or whining about it later.

He was grounded.
Hunter was composed under pressure, and at peace during the heat of difficult situations.
He was like a Buddhist monk watching others around him argue for position. And when it was over, he would simply do what needed to be done in a patient manner that was focused on doing good work.

To be sure, Hunter was an amazing guy.
From the first time we on the JJVan team met him, it was clear that he had a gift.
And he brought that gift to the party every day.

Since hearing of this, my mind has been twisted with a lack of understanding.
I send my condolences and best regards to his family and friends.
You have suffered a heartbreaking and immeasurable loss.

Thank you to Hunter for many great experiences working together.
Your memory will be riding in the truck with me.
- Frank

Frank Wisniewski

July 3, 2012

To all of you who have responded to this guest book,

I am Hunter's uncle, and I just wanted to offer my sincere gratitude for the wonderful thoughts and prayers that have been conveyed on this site. Hunter was one of those rare human beings that just made you feel better by being around him. His smile, the twinkle in his eyes and the contagious sense of humor were just a few of the attributes which describe him. To paraphrase the Wizard of Oz, you are "not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others." Hunter was indeed the recipient of much love and adoration; a short life, yes, but a life well spent.

I did see a couple of postings by some people who were at the accident scene. I would appreciate it if they would reach out and contact me.

Thank you all again and besides my sister Sandy, her husband Bruce and my niece Lacey, keep Gena first and foremost in your thoughts and prayers.

Gary Uecke

April 25, 2012

I have been wondering since hearing of Hunter's passing what to write. I did not know him, but I was one of the people that was by his side at the scene. Even though I never met him before that moment, I have read this obituary over and over, and it sounds like he was such an amazing man. I hope you find peace somewhere in this loss, and comfort to know that he was not alone. I am honored that I got to stay by his side for a few moments and hold his hands. I am so sorry for your loss; there has not been a day since that I have not prayed for your family, and I will continue to do so. May God be with all of you and help you to find comfort and peace.

Angela D

April 24, 2012

Hunter seemed to always have a smile on his face, an encouraging word to say and would literally give anyone the shirt off his back. Truly a wonderful human being. The "Wolfpack" will never be the same without him.

Raymond LeFavor

April 19, 2012

My deepest symphathy for all of you

Graciela Patron

April 17, 2012

To Lacey and the Melco Family,
My condolences to you for the loss of Hunter. It was such sad news to hear. I remember how close you were to Hunter from when I had you as a student, Lacey. My thoughts are with you. May all the wonderful memories (and the times he may have been the pain-brother) comfort you.

Audrey Kemp (D.C. Everest High School)

Audrey Kemp

April 13, 2012

Gena and Melco Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Hunter's passing. We have great memories of events that were spent with Hunter and Gena. Hunter was one of the most pleasant and thoughtful people we'd known. Our hearts go out to you Gena and the Melco Family.

Molly and Brian Paulson

April 7, 2012

My deepest sympathy Sandy I don't really know your family but I did know you years ago I'm Bob Elliott from Elderon, Nothing I can say or do to take away your pain only I can say is stay strong your son would have wanted that.

Bob Elliott

April 6, 2012

Gena and Melco Family,
You have my deepest sympathy. Gena, you and Hunter will always be remembered. No words can describe the pain and sorrow that I feel. You are in my prayers.

Denise Hanson

April 6, 2012

Shocked and saddened Hunter took the journey so soon. I"ll remember a sweet kid with the same soft smile of his mom and dad.....so sorry.

ROY SPEAR

April 6, 2012

It hurts when one of "The good one's" has to go to early. Hunter you were absolutely one of the best human beings I have ever met. I am deeply shocked.

Mats Bergqvist

April 5, 2012

Gena and Hunter's family . I did not know Hunter very well, but I know Gena and in that I know she was given a kind hearted peaceful man. I am truly sorry for your loss. May you find strenght in our Lord in the days ahead.

Deborah and Gene McIntyre

April 5, 2012

To Gena and Hunter's family - my deepest sympathies, and most sincere condolences. You are in my prayers continually, and always will be.

Rich Yarger

April 5, 2012

Our deepest sympathies. We are so sorry for your loss of Hunter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Guy & Liz Pieczynski-Kronenwetter, WI
Jay Pieczynski-Birmingham, AL

April 5, 2012

Our gretaest sympathies go out to Gena and Melco family. Hunter was a very nice guy. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Dan and Karin Eckdahl

April 5, 2012

Gena, Melco Family, friends of Hunter,
I am so sorry to hear the shocking news. Hunter was always a joy to be around, selfless, and friendly. I hope you can find strength in knowing what a positive effect he had on people. He will be greatly missed. Our (Team Shadow) thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anna Connelly

April 5, 2012

Dear Family of Hunter,

I have been praying for you since Sunday at 12:40 tho I did not know who you were. I saw many people rushing from their cars on cell phones. Want you to know of the people that cared and were full of hope at that moment. I am so sorry for this tragic moment in your family. May you be consoled by all those that love Hunter. Prayers.

B C

April 5, 2012

Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of Hunter. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken and Beth Kell

April 5, 2012

Gena, so so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.

Sandie Fricke

April 5, 2012

Gena and family, I am so sorry to hear this tragic news. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Time will heal and your wonderful memories of Hunter will be treasured forever. God bless you!

Jane Huspeni

April 4, 2012

Hunter was an instant friend, one of those rare people that you can't help but like immediately upon meeting. Those lucky enough to have known him are truly blessed. My thoughts are with Gena and the Melco family.

Mike McCoy

April 4, 2012

Gena, Lacey and Melco Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Someone so special will never be forgotten. May the love of those around you, help you through the days ahead.

With Sincerest Sympathy

Amber Bender

April 4, 2012

Too young and too soon; our thoughts are with the Melco family and Gena. Lean on your friends in times of sorrow and know that he has entered eternal life.
God speed.

Rick, Patti, and Ryan Schlapman

April 4, 2012

Gena,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kerry MacDonald

April 4, 2012

Gena and family, please except our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kevin and Mary Jo Kell

April 4, 2012

Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ed & Aloha Barlow

April 4, 2012

Wow, such a sad time for all of you. We know your grief is indescribable and your hearts are broken in many pieces. Just know we are thinking and praying for you as you go through this very sad time and your huge, huge loss...hugs to all of you.

Greg and Bev Baedke

April 4, 2012

Please accept my deepest sympathies, there are no words powerful enough to express sorrow for your loss. However, even in the face of tragedy you can have hope. God will comfort you and give you peace at this critical time so do not let your hearts be troubled and rely on the God of comfort. (John 14:27) May you find real comfort and relief as you begin to recover gradually from the pain. Love from God and those around you will help you through the days ahead.

S Smith

April 4, 2012

Gena and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you during this sad time.

Mike and Margie Thompson

April 4, 2012

Lacey and family,

Please take comfort in knowing that your Green Bay East High School family is thinking of you during this extremely difficult and sad time. You are in many of our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved brother.

Brieanne DeJardin

April 4, 2012

Gena and family, My heart sank when I heard about the accident. My prayers are with you and both families in your time of sorrow.

Jane Braatz

April 4, 2012

Hunter was one of the "good guys" in this world. I knew him through soccer and I wish I could have known him more. I'll really miss seeing him and talking with him. My thoughts and prayers are with all his friends and family.

Erik Berg

April 4, 2012

Hunter was liked by many in high school, very intelligent, an all around great guy- My condolences to Hunters Fiancee and his family. Words can simply not express the sympathy I feel.

Andrea Hanke

April 4, 2012

Sandy and family: I am so sorry to see this. It is so very difficult to lose a child. I unfortunately know from personal experience. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Karen Putnam Riebe

April 4, 2012

Gena, Melco Family,
Words cannot even begin to express the sorrow and saddness we feel. May God light your way and give you comfort and peace in the days to come.

John and Karen Rhyner

April 4, 2012

There are no words to describe the pain and sorrow that I feel for Gena and Hunters family. My very deepest sympathies to you all. Gena, you and Hunter were a beautiful love story. Remember this and may those memories help heal your loss.

Ramona Roney

April 3, 2012

Lacey,we are so sorry for the loss of your brother. We keep you close in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.

Lorraine Poplaski

April 3, 2012

The many years that have past do not erase the friendship once shared so closely. The memories that come to mind from time to time will not fade, but will be cherished, though with the regret of not staying in touch. My deepest sympathy and condolences for Hunters bride to be, mom, dad, and sister. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Joe Bockoven

April 3, 2012

All of us at JJ Vanderson are deeply saddened to hear about Hunter. He was very well liked, an all around great guy, a soft soul. The days ahead will not be the same. He will be SO missed by all of us here at JJ. Our heartfelt sympathies to Gena, his family & close friends. Always remember the good Hunter brought to all that crossed his path during his short life here on earth. ~ Cristal & Jay Vandermyde

Cristal Vandermyde

April 3, 2012

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Hunter, a teammate and friend, will forever be remembered by his warm heart. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Greg & Christine Foster

April 3, 2012

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

BECKI LLOYD

April 3, 2012

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