Elaine Mildred (Schlittler) Melcher

MONONA — Elaine Mildred (Schlitter) Melcher, 75, of Monona passed away peacefully on Nov. 29, 2024 surrounded by her loving family, following complications from advanced Alzheimer’s.

Services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Monona on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 a.m.

Elaine was born on April 5, 1949 to Alfred and Mildred (Carter) Schlitter in Waukon. Alfred and Mildred parted ways when Elaine was young and Mildred went on to marry Willis Johanningmeier. Together they raised her as part of their blended family of 10 children in Waukon until Elaine graduated from Monona-Farmersburg-Luana High School in 1967.

On February 22, 1969, Elaine married the love of her life, Kerry Jon Melcher, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Monona. Their marriage was a partnership built on love, devotion, and shared experiences.

Following their marriage, Elaine and Kerry lived in Lone Tree before moving to Chatfield, Minnesota and eventually returning to Monona. Along the way, they had three children, Lynnette, Kristine, and Kerry Jon, who were the greatest joys of Elaine’s life. She was a devoted mother and always prioritized her family.

Throughout her life, Elaine worked in a variety of roles, including positions at a local grocery store, as a typist, a childcare provider, and at the University of Iowa in the history department. She also worked in the medical laboratories at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Later, she spent many years at Iowa Turkey Products and Monona Wire before retiring.

Elaine and Kerry celebrated 55 years of marriage. Together, they enjoyed traveling, spending time on the family farm, and doting on their grand and great-grandchildren. Along with her husband, she was a devout member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Monona and lived her faith daily. Elaine was a beautiful soul who loved those around her fiercely. Though Alzheimer’s took Elaine's vibrant spirit from this world too soon, her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Elaine is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Kerry, children Lynnette (Mike) Krueger of Cresco, Kristine (Jason) Marmann of Farmersburg, and Kerry (Cresta) Melcher of Mantorville, Minnesota; grandchildren Peyton Krueger (Cresco), Cameron Krueger (Des Moines), Donnie (Adalena) Marmann (Monona), Daniel Marmann (Monona), Kaleb Melcher (Duluth, Minnesota), Cohen Melcher (Mantorville, Minnesota), and Kariana Melcher (Mantorville, Minnesota); great grandchildren Grace, Calvin and Rayanne Marmann and Elizabeth Marmann; siblings Dennis (Candy) Schlitter, Sue (Brian) Murphy, Duane Johanningmeier, Sharon Bruening, Dean (Barb) Johanningmeier, JoAnn (John) Eadie, Judy (Dale) Goeke, and Bob Johanningmeier, along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Willis Johanningmeier; brother, Bill (Sally) Johanningmeier, and her grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Monona or a charity of your choice.