In Memory of David J. Melcher

David J. Melcher, age 64, of Columbus, Nebraska died Friday, July 28, 2006 at his home following a short battle with cancer.  Funeral Services are 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 31, 2006 at St. Bonaventure Church in Columbus with Reverend Tom Weisbecker officiating.  Burial is in the All Saints Cemetery in Columbus.  Visitation is 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Sunday at McKown Funeral Home and after 7:00 p.m. Sunday with a 7:30 p.m. Vigil Service at St. Bonaventure Church.  Visitation continues Monday morning from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. at McKown Funeral Home.

David J. Melcher was born March 1, 1942 in Columbus, Nebraska to Arnold and Sylvia (Langan) Melcher. He attended St. Bonaventure grade school and graduated from St. Bonaventure high school. During high school he worked at Henke Machine. After graduation he attended junior college in Oceanside, CA. When he returned to Columbus David joined the Nebraska National Guard and worked full time at the National Guard Armory as Staff Sergeant. In 1966 Dave and his brother Ron started R and D Carpet Installation and worked in the Columbus and surrounding areas.

On October 14, 1967 David and Karen (Meeske) were united in marriage at St. Bonaventure Church in Columbus. They made their home in Columbus until 1969 when they moved to Grand Island, NE where Dave continued his carpet business as Grand Island Floor Covering. He also worked for a while at Sperry New Holland. In 1979 David returned to Columbus and worked at Industrial Engineering for 14 years. In 1993 David purchased several Laundromats in Columbus and also some rental property, spending a lot of time and effort to improve these investments. After selling the Laundromats David semi-retired devoting most of his time to the rentals.

David had many interests, which kept him busy. He loved to do work with wood and enjoyed remodeling projects of all kinds. Friends and family could call on him for help with almost any home project. He also restored cars, and enjoyed many years of boating and water skiing while camping or spending time at the family cabin. David and Karen were able to enjoy several years of travel and 4-wheeling which both enjoyed including a 45-day motor home trip to the west coast last summer and a 4-wheeling weekend in the Rocky Mountains.
David was a member of St. Bonaventure Church and the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by:

Wife: Karen Melcher of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Kathy (Ken) Steiner of Columbus, NE
Son: Steve (Susie) Melcher of Hickman, NE
Brother: Maurie (Judy) Melcher of Columbus, NE
Brother: Paul (Betty) Melcher of Lexington, SC
Sister: Joyce (Jack) Risor of Fayetteville, Arkansas
Sister: Janet (Darwin) McWilliams of Columbus, NE
Sister: Sue Vavak of Omaha, NE
Granddaughter: Brittany Steiner of Columbus, NE
Granddaughter: Caitlin Steiner of Columbus, NE
Granddaughter: Ashley Steiner of Columbus, NE
Grandson: Evan Melcher of Hickman, NE
Grandson: Alex Melcher of Hickman, NE

He was preceded by:

Father: Arnold Melcher
Mother: Sylvia Melcher
Brother: Jerry Melcher
Brother: Ron Melcher

Memorials may be directed to St. Bonaventure Grade School or the American Cancer Society.