Jean Melchert

Jean Daniels Melchert, age 98 years, of Seymour, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 23, 2022. She was born November 12, 1923 in the town of Cicero to the late Guy and Vivian (Cooper) Daniels. After graduating from Seymour High School in 1941, Jean continued her education at Stout Institute in Menomonie, WI graduating in 1945 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. She taught Home Economics at Edgerton for one year and then worked for the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service as a Home Agent in Adams and Oconto County until 1950.

The move to Oconto County occurred when she met Carl "Charlie" Melchert from Melchert Brother's Garage after he demonstrated how to operate the new Hudson her father had bought. On June 8, 1949, the couple married and began their life together in Seymour.

Although Jean never worked outside the home after the arrival of their children, she began her long career as a volunteer and true activist in her community in 1956 when she became a member of the Seymour School Board. She served as clerk for over 30 years, president for 12 years before retiring with 45 years of unselfish and total commitment to the children of the Seymour School District. Jean was part of many significant changes in the education of students to include the consolidation of the area schools into the present Community School District as well as construction of the high school, Rock Ledge Elementary, and the Aquatic Center complex. She helped establish a school district that was home to an award-winning school, teachers, coaches and programs. It was an honor when Middle School teachers selected her to be one of three to travel to Washington, D.C. to receive National Blue Ribbon Recognition from the President. Jean was a member of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards Board of Directors from 1982 - 1988. In 1996, she received the Bert Grover Child Advocacy Award from the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators for her extraordinary contributions to the lives of children.

Children were the focus of many of Jean's activities. She served 26 years as a 4-H leader. She also judged 4-H and open class projects at area county fairs for many years. A member of FFA, Jean was awarded an Honorary State Farmer Degree at the 1988 State FFA Convention, the highest recognition given for outstanding service to FFA. Jean had a deep faith and strength of conviction in Jesus as her Lord and Savior, and was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour where she taught Sunday School, organized Advent teas, recruited Sunday greeters and was in charge of numerous church dinners and receptions. She was instrumental in organizing a Senior Citizen's group, which eventually led to the establishment of badly needed nursing care facilities for the elderly in Seymour. She was also involved in the Seymour Woman's Club and Homemakers which sponsored community improvement projects. Jean's many contributions to education and to the community resulted in her recognition as Seymour's Outstanding Citizen for 1995.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Ann Smith, of Hobart, WI, granddaughter, Katie (Nick) Miller and great-grandsons, Luke and Peter Miller, of Niwot, CO. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Melchert,; son, Daniel Carl; daughter, Sarah (Steven) Dreher; son-in-law, John Smith; sister, June (Wally) Ford, brothers- and sisters-in law Walter (Ruth) Melchert, Raymond (Lucy) Melchert, Alfred (Lulu) Melchert, Elmer (Virginia) Melchert, Ruth (Lloyd) LaViolette, Henry (Adela) Melchert, Esther Melchert, Marie Melchert and Robert (Marian) Melchert.

Friends may call at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 9:30 am until the memorial service at 11:00am with Pastor Ty Stoneburner officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jean's memory to be used towards her favorite causes. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, is assisting the family with arrangements.

A heartfelt thank you to Heather, Erin, Cheryl, Chaplain Nicole and Ashley of Unity Hospice for their compassionate care and love.

Online condolences may be expressed to Jean's family at www.muehlboettcher.com