John "Jack" Melloh

John “Jack” Allen Melloh, age 86, passed away on January 8, 2020.

Jack is survived by his son, Michael (Cara) Melloh; and grandchildren Lucas and Eden Melloh.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Mary Ann Melloh (nee Gautsch) and sisters Elizabeth Jane (Betty) Melloh and Mary Catherine Melloh.

Jack graduated from Stanley High School in 1951. He enlisted with the Army National Guard of Wisconsin in Company G, 426th Infantry, in 1949. He was honorably discharged in 1952, following his service as company clerk during the Korean War. 

After his service, Jack enrolled at Holy Cross Seminary, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1957. He later earned his Master’s degree from St. Mary’s Seminary School of Theology, Baltimore, MD, in 1961. On May 20, 1961, Jack was ordained a Catholic Priest. He then spent several years in Rome, researching at Pontificum Institutum Biblicum de Ubre. Jack then taught Scripture at the Vatican from 1967 until 1970.

Upon his return to the United States, Jack met and fell in love with Mary Ann Gautsch (Sister Jeremy). They left religious life and were married on June 12, 1971, with son Mike born April 16, 1975 and cat Jetti joining the family in 1981.

Jack worked in a foundry before starting a successful career in commercial roofing sales, initially with Christiansen Roofing, followed by 15 years with Langer Roofing.

The family lived on the north side of Milwaukee, followed by Fox Point, then moved to Brookfield in 1985 where they quickly becoming active at St. John Vianney Church, Habitat for Humanity, Elmbrook Rotary, Call to Action (CTA) and numerous other volunteer organizations. 

In his free time, Jack enjoyed many activities, including playing his banjo, reading, fishing, basketball, coaching soccer and playing catch with son Mike, watching Brewers and Packers games, as well as James Bond and WWII movies.

He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Europe. He looked forward to his annual fishing trip with his friends Jim McDonald and Steve Boehrer, and son Mike, as well as his annual family trip to Florida.

Jack will be remembered as a man of faith, a hard worker, a loving husband and father, and a loyal friend.  He had a ready smile for everyone, was sensitive to the needs of others, and stood ready to help wherever he could.  His family and friends will miss his wit and his laughter.

Services for Jack will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at the chapel at St. Anne’s Salvatorian Campus (3800 N 92nd , Milwaukee). A visitation will take place from 12:30pm until 1:30pm, with a memorial service to follow.

The family extends their gratitude to all that visited Jack in his final years at St. Anne’s; including sisters-in-law Cathy Desmond (and family) and Kay Gautsch, as well as Rita McDonald, Steve Servais, Glen Langer and many others. Thank you to the St Anne’s and Heartland Hospice Staff for all the loving care!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Habitat for Humanity.

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