Surnames: Melcher, Collins, Flanagan, Sprague, Matzek

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) August 20, 2008

Melcher, Dr. Michael H. (9 November 1941 - 18 August 2008)

Dr. Michael H. Melcher, age 66, of Thorp passed away at his home on August 18, 2008.

Michael was born on November 9, 1941, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Karl and Gertrude (Collins) Melcher. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School before attending Loras College in Dubuque, the University of San Francisco, and the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, graduating in 1964.

Michael is survived by his wife, Patricia, whom he married in 1963, three daughters: Lisa of Eau Claire, Sheila of St. Louis Park, MN, and Krista (Scott) Flanagan of Oregon, WI; and two grandchildren: Erin and Sean Flanagan.

After a 43-year career as an optometrist, Michael retired from his Thorp practice, Drs. Melcher & Sprague, OD, and from New Vista Eyecare in Chippewa Falls in 2007.

Michael was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church, the Thorp Lions Club, and founded Thorp Sports and Recreation Foundation, Inc. He was a member of the American Optometric Association and the Wisconsin Optometric Association (WOA), having served as chair of the WOA Sports Vision Section and Motorist Vision Section. Michael was active in sports vision testing and research, and served as a national speaker about his research.

Michael was an avid Wisconsin Badger football supporter, and love to play softball, competing in regional and national senior softball tournaments.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and by one brother, David Melcher.

Services for Michael will be held on Friday, August 22, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp with Rev. William Matzek officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church with a 6:00 p.m. Rosary. Visitations will also be held on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service; also at the church.

Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.cuddiefh.com.