It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Joel D. Melcher of Adams, Wisconsin, who passed away at the age of 53, in his home, Monday, December 6, 2021.
Joel was born January 15, 1968, in Watertown, Wisconsin to Arthur and Karen (Kaddatz) Melcher. He graduated in 1986 from Watertown High School and attended two years at Concordia College, where he played football.
Joel is survived by the love of his life, Jenni (Thrasher) Melcher, his cherished only child, Elisabeth, and his dog Zander (Bean). His parents, Art and Karen Melcher, Mother-in-law Susan Thrasher, siblings, Jeff Melcher (Kim), Becky Raether (Tim), Amy Bartell (Rick) and James Melcher (Betsy), nieces and nephews Zachary and Noah Melcher, Johnathan Raether, Skyler and Colton Bartell, Lochlyn and Jillian Thrasher, Jenna, Dustin, and Raina Joslin also mourn his loss.
Joel enjoyed playing pool, shooting darts, riding his motorcycle, chit-chatting, laughing, and joking with friends, and spending time at the family cottage. Those in his community know him as a kind man who is remembered by his smile, laugh, and goofy sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
The wake and service will be held Saturday, December 11, 2021, from 1:00-3:00pm at The Cedar Shack Banquet Hall, 2248 State Hwy 13, Adams, WI 53910
Dear Melcher Family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Joel. I went to Watertown High School with Joel and absolutely adored him.
He was a very fun and caring guy – a real gentleman.
My thoughts are with you.
Jenni and family,
I was so very shocked and saddened to hear of Joel’s passing on Facebook. May you and Elizabeth find comfort in knowing how much he loved you both and the joy he brought to everyone he met, his laugh was infectious and his smile so big it made others smile back without even thinking abt it! A good man gone way too soon. May he rest in peace and may knowing he will always be with you ease some of your pain. There are no words that can truly ease your pain but I hope with time you’ll all find peace in knowijg his was a life well lived!
So shocked and saddened by this news. Enjoyed working with Joel at AFE he was always so pleasant and helpful. Sending lots of prayers to Joel’s family. He will be missed by all.
I tipped a few with Joel over the years. The world was a better place with Joel in it. Travel well my friend.
Dear Family of Joel, I’m sorry for your great loss. Joel and I grew up together in Watertown and at Good Shepherd Church (Sunday School, youth trips & confirmation). He was a fun-loving and kind guy. I didn’t know him as an adult but from reading other’s comments he was as I’d imagine; helpful & dependable and a loving dad & husband. My deepest condolences.
Jenni, I’m thinking of you… Sadly, I never had the pleasure of meeting Joel. This picture of him reminds me of your wonderful dad (my uncle). You and Joel were blessed to have found each other and experience true joy and love. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Joel’s treasured family.🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Jenni and family—we are so sorry for your loss. You and Joel were the best next-door neighbors. Joel was always ready to help if we needed an extra pair of hands. You were dearly missed when you moved into town. When Joel started work for the school district, it brought a smile to see him interacting with the middle school kids. He had a wonderful way of developing relationships, and it was clear that what he thought meant a great deal to the kids. He was a wonderful role model. Even though we didn’t see him often these past few years, it was always a pleasure when we did. The last time we ran into him was at PT, and even with a mask, his smile was unmistakable—it always started with his eyes. We’re keeping you close in our hearts.
Pat and Maureen
So sorry and shocked to read about Joel’s untimely passing away. I remember him from when I worked at Grand Marsh school and when he was employed by the district. He was always friendly and had a good attitude about things. God be with you during this sad time.
So sad to hear about this. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sending condolences 🙏 to the family
It is so sad to loose ones child. I graduated from Watertown High with Art and Karen. May he rest in peace with light perpetual shine upon Joel.
Sorry Amy and Rick
My sympathy to the whole Melcher family. Sending prayers.
I’m so sorry, Jenni. You are in my prayers.
So very sorry to learn of the loss of Joel. 🙏🏻
Joel, May you be resting in peace with our Lord in Heaven.
May God Bless peace upon all who are mourning the loss of this fine man Joel. ❤️
Joel has a nostalgic place in my heart as part of the Amberg “hunting gang”. 🦌
I wish I could have been working with Joel as I was. He always kept me positively motivated. GREAT MAN. Peace 🕊️
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Joel in HS. One of the nicest, funniest people. His Spirit will forever be with you. Peace to you Joel.
So sorry to hear about your loss Jenni
Hugs & Prayers from Jack Salvo and Family XOXO!! Many Prayers for you and your family!!
Peace be with you, God Bless you & your family.
James…So sorry to hear about your brother. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Jim Frein
Jenni, Jr. & I send our prayers & condolences to you & your families.
I’m very sorry to hear about Joel’s passing. I had a lot of fun with him through middle and high school. We had a lot of fun in confirmation class also.
Jenni ❤️ Darren and I are so terribly sorry for your loss 💔 Thinking of you 🌹
I am so very sorry. I always enjoyed chatting with him at the Middle School in years past. You are in my thoughts.
Way to young! He was such a great guy! He will be missed!
So sorry to hear about Joel passing he was a awesome guy always happy really fun to talk to had alot of fun being around him
Joel was a terrific guy and good friend. He will be missed by many of us. Rest In Peace, Joel.
Rayme and myself are in such disbelief about Joels sudden death. Our hearts and prayers go out to Jenni and Joels family. May he rest in Gods heavenley peace. Sincereley Rayme and Beverly Moo.
So very sorry for your families loss, prayers and thoughts.
So shocked and sorry to hear this sad news! I remember Joel “way back” at Grand Marsh School when he would arrive with Elizabeth! Prayers and thoughts are with you! He will be missed!!!
So sorry for your loss! Joel was a great guy. He will be missed. Prayers to the family
Jenni, My heart just breaks for you!!! I can’t even imagine what your going thru loosing the love of your life. God always has a plan thru our pain. May you find comfort in that and that Joel is no longer in pain and will always be watching over you and waiting with open arms when the good Lord calls you home. He really was a nice guy. Always a smile on his face and kind. God must have needed him for a bigger plan. I wish we could make it but we our out of state for lovey’s work. Know we are sending much love, prayers and hugs~❤️🙏❤️😇
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with all of you.
So sorry prayers to Jenni and Elizabeth such a wonderful man Joel was. Will miss his smile and always the conversations we had. A true real person. RIP
Jenni I am so sorry for your loss. Joel was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sorry for your loss… he will be missed
So sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss. Enjoyed working with him at the Elementary school. He will be missed.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Joel was one of the best and so helpful and kind at AFMS.
My heart breaks for your loss Jenni. Prayers for peace, comfort and strength for you and all his loved ones. He was an amazing man and will live on in our hearts and our fond memories.
My heart breaks for your loss Jenni. Prayers for peace, comfort and strength for you and all his loved ones. He was an amazing man and will live on in our hearts and our find memories.
My sympathies to the Melcher family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mark Decker
My deepest sympathy! He was a wonderful man! Great cousin memories! Rip!
My heart goes out to the many friends and family who Joel loved dearly. I am so sad to hear about his loss. I will forever remember him by his great smile, attitude, and kind heart. Forever an ACE OF ADAMS employee he will be. Thank you Joel for the amazing memories at the local Ace. He will be missed. My hugs and prayers goes to his family in the time of grieving.
I enjoyed talking with Joel when he worked at the middle school. He always had a smile on his face and would go the extra mile to be helpful. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jenny I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jenni I am so sorry to hear about Joels passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
I am so shocked and sorry to hear about my friend, Joel’s passing. We shared many laughs at work. He was a great, caring person who will be missed by so many. A good soul gone way too soon. I hope you can find peace.
So sorry to hear about Joel. Prayers for all the family. Always enjoyed talking with him. Had alot of laughs with him at Cedar Shack when he was bartending there. I will miss him.
Terribly sorry to hear this….. Joel will be missed…
So sorry to hear this. Joel was so great to work with at AF. I can hear him scolding me for standing on the chairs instead of getting a ladder! God Bless his soul.
I am so sorry for your loss- you are all in my prayers!
So sorry to hear this! He was a great man always smiling and laughing. He will be missed.
Joel will be missed by all ! RIP
So sorry for your loss, Jenni & family. Hugs & prayers to all.
Joel will be missed. We had good conversations when I was the superintendent at A-F and he worked as a custodian. My condolences to the family!
So sorry Jenni and Elizabeth. Sending hugs to you.
I’m so sorry Jenni and family. You are in my thoughts.
I am so sorry to hear about Joel’s passing.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.