Zerlina Melger

Zerlina (Imig) Melger, 94, entered eternity with Jesus on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Three Pillars Healthcare Center, Dousman, Wisconsin.

She was born April 3, 1923, at the family farmhouse in Sheboygan County to William and Elsie (Liebzeit) Imig, the 4th of 5 children. She attended the one room school in Millersville through 8th grade. Her brothers Elmer, William, Harold, and sister Marcella, preceded her in death.

Zerlina's early jobs were at a factory in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, a print shop in Evanston, Illinois and a cafe in Encinitas, California. Her main role as a teen was as her father's loyal milking assistant, for which he praised her.

She married Paul Melger on July 12th, 1947 and settled in Encinitas, where he grew vegetables for the Los Angeles markets. She packed many a tomato over the next 25 years while raising a family of 3 daughters. The family returned to her Wisconsin roots in 1971 to live on the farm where she was born. In 2006 Zerlina and Paul moved to an assisted living community in Dousman, WI to be near family. Here they celebrated their 60th anniversary. After Paul passed away in 2008, Zerlina continued to enjoy her apartment for another 7 years before her final year at the healthcare center.

Zerlina was a devoted mother, friend, neighbor, and member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Howards Grove. In their retirement years, Zerlina and Paul traveled with a trailer for the winters, returning to visit their California friends and making many new connections during extended stays in Texas, Arizona, and Florida. At home they gardened extensively, sharing produce with many, and she preserved the bounty by freezing and canning. She set a full table of home-grown meals and delicious desserts awaited family when they arrived. The cookie jar was always full. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, playing games, and had a keen interest in writing her life experiences in journals.
Zerlina's courageous spirit allowed her to initiate that final move at age 83, and she again welcomed new relationships and made fast friends in the assisted community. Always a helper, she thrived most when she could do something for another. She cared for Paul, allowing him to remain in their apartment until he passed. The staff loved her warm personality, and many saw her humor and wit, through the very last year. Faith in her Savior Jesus sustained her and her family throughout all of life, bringing her to a glorious future.

She is survived by her children, Melanie (Herb) Hannam of Middleton, Eileen (Mark) Lurvey of Oconomowoc, and Carolyn Melger of San Diego. She also has 7 grandchildren, Katie (fiancée Kyle Haus) Hannam, Jamie (Mike) Haynes, Abbie Hannam, Amanda (Tommy) Richgels, Aaron (Reggie) Lurvey, Alex Lurvey and Adam Lurvey.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Zimmer-Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Rd, Sheboygan, on Thursday, July 13, 2017 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. with Pastors Eric Kovatch and Steve Trampe officiating. Zerlina will be laid to rest at St. Paul's Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Three Pillars Senior Living Community in Dousman for their compassionate care and friendship.