Barbara Jean Melka, nee Perry, 70, of West Bend, passed away Monday, November 3, 2008 at St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee
She was born on May 19, 1938 in Milwaukee to the late William and Florence (nee Kaufman) Perry. Barbara graduated from Riverside High School of Milwaukee in 1957. She married Gerald Melka on May 11, 1963 at St. John's Cathedral in Milwaukee and they have lived in West Bend for the past 36 years.
She worked as a cashier at Kohl's Department Store in West Bend for 12 years, until her retirement. For many years Barbara enjoyed camping at Lazy Days Campground north of West Bend with family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Gerald; two sons, Kevin (Patricia) Melka and Steven Melka Sr.; a daughter, Kimberly Melka; a grandson, Steven Melka, Jr.; two sisters, Bonnie (Edward) Miles and Joanne Bunkelman; cousins, Barbara Colombo and Karen (Leroy) Titze; her aunt, Marion Kaufmann; a sister-in-law, Barbara Geddes; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Marylin (Donald) Luebenow, a brother William (Janice) Perry Jr., her parents-in-law, Raymond and Sophie Melka, and two brothers-in-law, Fredrick Bunkleman and Walter Geddes.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 7 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Church, 1610 Monroe St., West Bend. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Memorial donations in memory of Barbara may be made to the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition, P.O. Box 170031, Milwaukee, WI 53217, www.standupandspeakout.org