Surnames: MELCHER ENGEL BRANDSTEDTER GUTER QUIRK LUBINSKI SLYDER BEVER

----Source: HUMBIRD ENTERPRISE (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) 01/08/1916

Melcher, Mary (14 AUG 1867 - 4 Jan 1916)

Mrs. Mary Melcher, wife of Fred Melcher, died at Minneapolis, Jan. 4, 1916, after an illness of about six weeks. About a month ago she was taken to a hospital at Minneapolis for treatment. It was found there that she was afflicted with a very uncommon ailment, termed "Addison's Disease." It was thought that a cure was being effected, and on Christmas day she was removed to the home of her sister, Mrs. Thomas Engel, but death came almost without warning at the time above noted. The remains were brought to this village (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) Wednesday noon and taken to her late home on the farm to await burial. The funeral services were held this Friday morning at St. Joseph's Church, Fairview, and the burial was in the family lot in the cemetery at the church. A large congregation gathered at the church to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased, testified to the esteem in which she was held in the community which has always been her home.

Mrs. Melcher was a daughter of the late John Brandstedter, and was born in Jackson Co., Wis. on Aug. 14, 1867, and was 48 years, 4 months, and 20 days of age at the time of her death. In March 1886, she was united in marriage with Mr. Fred Melcher, who with nine children mourn her death. She also leaves six sisters: Mrs. Joseph Guter, Morris, Minn.; Mrs. John Quirk and Mrs. Thomas Engel, both of Minneapolis; Mrs. Tony Lubinski, Mondovi, Mrs. Nick Slyder, Mrs. Peter Bever, Fairchild; and five brothers: Charles Brandstedter of Humbird; John and Frank of Fairchild; Mathew of Altoona; and Joseph of Los Angeles; besides a host of friends.

Her death is very sad, but a noble life has come to its close and a faithful wife and mother has found rest. She was a woman of excellent character, a lovable disposition, and beloved by all who knew her. The sorrowing husband and children and relatives have the full sympathy of the community in their great bereavement.