Judith Melke

Judith Jean (Hoag) Melke was called home to eternal life in heaven on February 27, 2024, with her family by her side following a brief illness. She was born on October 28, 1938 to James and Jean Hoag in Detroit, Michigan. She was united in Holy Matrimony to George August Melke on August 3, 1957, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan.

In 1973, she moved north with her husband and nine children to a farm in Charlevoix County and last year celebrated her 50th year under the theme “life’s better at the farm.” Mom had a beautiful singing voice, participating in church choirs or singing with her children walking down the street. She was a dedicated wife and mother remembered for driving her children to Lutheran schools, preparing countless daily and holiday meals, baking delicious birthday cakes, decorating her home for the holidays, watching the variety of birds from her living room window, and traveling with her husband on many camping trips. She treasured the time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whether in person or on social media.

Survivors include her children and their families: son, George of San Mateo, California; son, Richard (Nancy) of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and grandchildren, Amanda (Jesse) Smith and Tiffany; daughter, Cheryl of Charlevoix; son, James (Sheila) of Charlevoix, and grandchildren, Jamie,  Rachel (Matthew) Peterson and Tyler; son, David of Charlevoix, and grandchild, Erika; son, John (Karla) of Nekoosa, Wisconsin, and grandchildren, Samuel, Benjamin (Bridget) and Josiah, and great-grandchild, Elliott; son, Timothy (Mary) of Eagle Lake, Florida, and grandchild, Kaytlyn (Stephanie) Richards, and great-grandchildren, Lucas and Raelynn; daughter, Rebecca (Donald) Streeter of Charlevoix, and grandchildren, Courtney, Megan, Adam and Trevor; and daughter, Susanna (Raymond) Eggers of Boyne City, and grandchild, MacKenzie Eggers.

She is also survived by sister, Janet Krupski; brother, Jerry Hoag; brother-in-law, Martin Wildauer and nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be deeply missed by her dear friend, Judy Hendrickson who shared the same birthday.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brother, James Hoag; brother-in-laws, Charles Krupski and Daniel Melke; sister-in-law, Kathleen Wildauer and granddaughter Hannah Grace Eggers.

Tears of sorrow turn to tears of joy as Judy’s Rite of Confirmation Bible verse comforts us: be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). A Christian funeral service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Charlevoix on Wednesday, March 6, conducted by Rev. James Redmann.   Visitation is from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes the night before on Tuesday, March 5, and one hour prior to the 11:00 a.m. worship service at the church. 

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church or Charlevoix Area Hospital Foundation.

Arrangements are under the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.