William Melech Jr.

William Melech Jr. had many names: Mert, sonny, dad, grandpa, pops, uncle, brother, friend. Dad was born in Bismarck, ND on January 30, 1932 to William Melech Sr. and Agnes Melech. He was raised with his 7 sisters. 

Dad met his wife, Illa Mae Fischer, at St. Mary’s High School. After graduation, he entered the seminary but was involved in several fist fights while defending others. He was told “the seminary is not for you, why don’t you go home and marry Illa Mae.” He did and the two were married on her birthday, October 19, 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 

They moved to L.A., Dubois, Colorado Springs, Santa Clara, finally to Fremont, CA. Their children William Jr. and Therese had arrived already and they added six more-Joseph, Mary, Thomas, Jeanne, Maureen and John. 

Dad served in the Air Force during the Korean War and then became an air traffic controller for the FAA. We all watched out the window while his carpool of fellow controllers picked him up. We were proud of Dad. 

Dad’s best friend, Ivan Ruff, had 10 children and along with dad’s 8-18 children and 4 adults crammed into 2 station wagons traveling to beaches, swimming pools-everywhere-always together. When one of the mothers who had “head count” miscounted, we had to go back to get a crying child (sometimes 2). 

Dad sang loud in church and was heard above all others. His favorite songs were America the Beautiful, Ave Maria and Bad, Bad Leroy Brown (Jim Croce).

Dad loved life, family, all people, sports, frosted flakes, Pepsi, chocolate, black licorice, “minced ham sandwiches”, hot fudge (especially his sister Mabel’s homemade), halupsi, dancing, poker, his country and being quite the salesman. We would travel to Bismarck every summer, to visit everyone. 

Years ago, our parents sold their house of 48 years in Fremont, CA where they raised their 8 children, to move back to Bismarck to care for our mother’s ailing parents and to be with my dad’s mother and sisters.

Dad was a tireless and helpful man who never complained. A genuine man, courteous, kind in words and actions. He helped and loved everyone.

Sadly, we lost our mother at the age of 86 on July 17, 2019. She was the love of our dads life and they were married 67 years. We also lost our brother, William, 2 years ago.

Dad went to heaven 18 days before his 93rd birthday on January 12, 2025. A kind, beautiful soul-The Best!

He is survived by his children, Therese (Bill) Smith, Joseph (Monica) Melech, Mary Melech, Thomas Melech, Jeanne Stone, Maureen (Ralph) Schelinder, John (Tara) Melech; his 6 sisters, Dorothy Kulokoski, Orovilla Ness, Mabel Keller, Diane Wentz, Carol Fricke and Sandy Highley.

His loving wife, Illa Mae; son, William Melech; and sister, Mildred Haluzak, preceded him in death. 

Our parents have 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 2 great- great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Forever missed and loved, his family will always be proud of both of our parents. We all love you Mom and Dad.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary Church at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on January 20, 2025 at the Bismarck Funeral Home with a rosary at 7 PM. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery.