Jerome "Gordy" Melchior , 85, passed away on April 16, 2016 at Bellin Hospital. He was born on February 23, 1931 to the late Leo "Ole" and Petronella "Nell" (Biese) Melchior. Gordy served in the US Army and worked as a lineman for Wisconsin Telephone Company for 31 1/2 years.
To say Gordy had a lot of friends would be a gross understatement. His home was a virtual revolving door of friends and relatives who were always warmly welcomed, no matter the day or time. He especially enjoyed sharing his homemade liquid refreshments which might include wine, cherry bounce or something a bit stronger.
Gordy was well known for his selfless generosity; if someone happened to admire something of his he usually offered to give it to them. One of his favorite hobbies was checking out local garage ("garbage") sales and he had been known on occasion to overpay the seller when he felt the item was worth more than the asking price.
He had lots of domestic talents, including baking his own bread, a skill he learned from his mother who made several loaves weekly to feed her 9 children. He was a good cook; hard to beat his bean and ham soup or his homemade pies.
As a gardener, Gordy excelled, probably due to Charlie's famous fish fertilizer. All who knew him at one time or another found themselves the recipients of gifts of produce, usually personally delivered and often "anonymously."
Because he was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back, he always had plenty of friends willing to help him in whatever way needed.
Together they painstakingly built his log cabin home which later became the daily gathering spot, no invitation required.
Besides being an avid hunter and outdoorsman his whole life, he enjoyed feeding the wildlife around his property and even had chipmunks come into his house and eat from his hand. He belonged to the Black Ash Gun Club, and in the past the Algoma Boat Club and Hunting and Fishing Club. Gordy was a devout member of St. Mary's parish in Algoma.
Gordy is survived by five brothers Robert (Dorothy) Melchior, Sturgeon Bay; Richard Melchior, Kansas City, MS; Leo Melchior, Grafton; Tom (Marilyn) Melchior, Luxemburg; Ronald Melchior, Argonne; many nieces and nephews including Kathy (Jim) Stoffel, Jon (Ann) Knipfer, Robert Knipfer, Michael Knipfer, Mary (friend Scott) Melchior, Patti (Kevin) Quinn, Mark (friend Jan) Melchior, Jan (Bob) Weber, Mary (friend Phil) Knudsen, Greg (Colleen) Melchior, Jeff (friend Kathy) Melchior, Lisa (Bob) Meier, Mike (Jennifer) Melchior, Tom (Sheila) Melchior, Maureen (Kurt) Phillips, Sue (Mike) Bair, Steve Melchior, and David Melchior. He is further survived by special friend Pat.
He was preceded in death by two brothers James Melchior and Fr. Frank Melchior; one sister Jeanette Knipfer; two sisters-in-law Marge Melchior, and Mary Ann Melchior; and one brother-in-law Frank "Page" Knipfer.
Visitation will be held at St, Mary's Catholic Church, Algoma from 9-11 AM on Saturday April 23, 2016 Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 AM with Fr. Tony Birdsall officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Online condolence messages may be shared here . In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
Special thanks to the staff on the 4th floor of Bellin Hospital and to Unity Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion.
