Howard Melby

Howard Melby 80, of Westby died June 23, 2008 Howard Melby, age 80 of Westby, died Monday Evening, June 23, 2008 at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. He was born in Sparta, WI on June 21, 1928 to Chester and Hazel (Johnson) Melby. He married Maren Bergum on January 7, 1956 and they lived in the Westby area all of their lives. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. For over 40 years, Howard owned his own milk trucks, and served the Westby Cooperative Creamery. During the 40 years that he operated his milk route, the children of the area enjoyed him and he watched them grow up. I guess he was a kid at heart. Howards favorite place was the "lower" garage. He liked having his friends stop by to sit and have a "pop" and the neighborhood kids could get their bikes fixed. They often knocked on the door and asked if they could get "air". Howard loved old cars and could repair almost anything. No car ever escaped without the hood not being opened. He was a volunteer for the Westby Fire Department, a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, the Syverson Funk American Legion Post #155 and Westby VFW Post # 8021. He is survived by his wife, Maren and two sons: Rick (Mary Anne) Melby of Houston, TX, Brian, and his wife, Kathy Pickett of Madison, WI; grandchildren: Kyle Melby of Houston, TX, Lucy Pickett of Madison, WI; sisters-in-law: Annette Melby, Ellen Jane Melby, Sandra Schulz, Judy Dirienzo, Linda Sires, Shirley Bergum; Many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Ralph and Walter Melby; one brother-in-law: Peter Bergum.Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Gary Daines will officiate. Burial with military rites by the Syverson Funk American Legion and the Westby VFW will be in Our Saviors Cemetery, rural Westby. Friends may call on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street (Hwy 14 S.) in Westby. Friends may also call at the church on Thursday from 12:00 noon until the time of service at 1:00 p.m.On line condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.comMemorial may be given to the Bethel Butikk or the charity of your choice.The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.