David L. Melcher

1936 - 2025

Watertown, WI - David Lee Melcher, 89, of Watertown, passed away on August 21, 2025 at his home.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ixonia with Rev. Joel Free officiating. Relatives and friends may gather at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial, with military honors, will follow at the parish cemetery. Memorials, if desired, would be appreciated to St Paul's Lutheran Church, Ixonia or Rainbow Hospice. The family would like to sincerely thank Rainbow Hospice staff for their enduring support over the last few weeks. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.HafemeisterFH.com.

Dave was born on March 25, 1936 to Edgar and Margaret (Reichert) Melcher in Oconomowoc. He graduated from St. Paul Lutheran Grade School in 1949 and then from Watertown High School in 1953. Dave then completed a farm short course at UW Madison. Dave married Janice Voigt on September 7, 1957. Dave served in the United States Army for 6 years. After serving in the Army he farmed for 8 years with his father. He then became and worked as a commercial building ironworker and was a member of the Ironworkers Union #8 for 25 years. After retiring as an ironworker he worked for Nicholson Manufacturing for 5 years before fully retiring in the year 2000.

He was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ixonia, being baptized, confirmed, and married at the church. Dave served as an elder, trustee, usher, sang in the mixed and men's choir, as well as various other committees and boards. He was instrumental in starting the Lutheran Pioneers at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Dave was a member of Ixonia Victory 4-H Club, and also the FFA at Watertown High School.

Dave was a member of the Ixonia Volunteer Fire Department and an EMT for 25 years. He was the chairman of the fund that raised money for Ixonia for their first ambulance. He loved sports and played for various slow pitch softball teams. Dave played dart baseball with the church league for many years and also loved bowling, fishing, and deer hunting.

He is survived by his wife Janice of Watertown; three sons: Brian (Susan) of Surprise, AZ, Nathan (Keli) of Rome, and Randy of Chicago; three grandchildren: Nicholas (Nick Nelson), Brandon (Danielle), and Morganne; one brother, Norman (Sharon) of Watertown; one sister, Deborah (Stuart) Schramm of Ixonia; one brother-in-law, Tom (Kay) Voigt, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and one infant sister.