George John Melnyk M.D.

George John Melnyk, M.D., 68, passed away peacefully on Good Friday surrounded by loved ones after suffering a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Diane Melnyk of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; his daughters from his first marriage, Diana Melnyk (Alexander) Christian and Alexandra Melnyk, M.D. (Cody Rutledge, M.D.); his granddaughters Eliza and Samantha Rutledge; his bonus grandchildren Anthony and Lara Christian; his step-sons DJ (Brooke) Stiffler and Scott Stiffler; his step-grandchildren: Cadence, Cambrie, Carson and Lilly Stiffler; his mother Oksana ( the late Dr. Ihor ) Melnyk; his sister Areta (Peter) Rago and their children; his sister Christine (Scott) Magnuson and their children; and his Godson Steven Rago. Dr. Melnyk leaves behind many friends, neighbors and colleagues.
Dr. George Melnyk practiced Psychiatry and held additional certification in Addiction Medicine. He worked as a Psychiatrist for over 40 years in New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, and most recently Alabama, up until the day he was hospitalized. Early on in his medical career he had a private Psychiatry practice in DesPlaines, Illinois, and he was also Director Of Psychiatry at two separate institutions in LaCrosse, Wisconsin and Anniston, Alabama. His passion was helping U.S. Military Veterans suffering from PTSD.
George loved his pets and found solace in nature and simplicity. He leaves behind his beloved animal friends Charlie, Tripper, Punkin, Greta, Dandy and Thomas. He particularly loved the wild birds and deer he fed off the deck by his home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. George was known for drinking his favorite "Cherry Coke" soda wherever he went. His interests included building model airplanes, tracking severe weather, fishing, hunting, boating, and watching sports--specifically baseball and football. He religiously took his family to Chicago White Sox games every year while he lived in Illinois, never passing up an opportunity for a baseball game. In addition, one of his greatest dilemmas in life was never being able to decide which one was "his" team... the Chicago Bears or the Green Bay Packers.
While he leaves behind his grieving family, George is now reunited with his father, Ihor Melnyk, M.D. and his older brother Alexander. He is also reunited with his beloved Akitas, Ditka and Thor, and dog Boomer.
He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed; His Memory Is Eternal !
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 2:00 - 6:00 P.M. at Chapel. Panachyda ( Ukrainian Wake Service ) will be held at 5:00 P.M. Funeral Monday, April 28'th starting at 10:00 A.M. at chapel and in procession will travel to St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church for a 11:00 A.M. Funeral Service. Graveside interment at Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery; Chicago.
For those that wish to make a monetary donation in Dr. George Melnyk's memory: Custom Canines Service Dog Academy in Madison, WI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides trained service dogs to U.S. Military Veterans and First Responders suffering from PTSD. 844-888-8850 or you can e-mail: info@customcanines.org. If the Alabama Hospital Staff want to send flowers. Please send to Myzuka Funeral Home 2157 W Chicago Ave Chicago, IL 60622, Thank you.