14 Aug Illa Mae Melech

Illa Mae Melech, 86, Bismarck, died July 17, 2019.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, July 20, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bismarck.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service at the church with a Rosary service at 9:30 a.m., at the church.

Illa was born on October 19, 1932, in Livona, ND to Joseph and Mamie (Clark) Fischer.  She was raised and educated in Hazelton and Bismarck and graduated from St. Mary’s High School.

Illa was united in marriage to William Melech on her birthday in 1952, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  They moved to California and lived there for forty-eight years while raising their eight children.  They returned to Bismarck each summer for vacation and to visit with family and friends.  They moved back to Bismarck in 2003 to care for her parents.

Illa was a devoted catholic and faithful servant to our Lord.  She enjoyed luncheons, trips to the casino and watching Wheel of Fortune.

Illa is survived by her husband:  William, Bismarck,; children:  William Jr., Therese (William) Smith, Joseph (Monica) Melech, Mary Melech, Thomas Melech, Jeanne Stone, Maureen (Ralph) Schelinder, and John (Tara) Melech; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; her sister, Frances Klein; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Illa was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Charles Fischer.