Jack Melby, 75, formerly of Ontario, died Nov. 16, 2024, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Madison.
He was born in La Crosse to Orville and Lucille Melby. He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He also served in the Vietnam War from 1971–72, receiving the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was self-employed in home construction.
He enjoyed his grandkids’ events and all things Badgers.
He is survived by his children, Jessica Basala (Adam) of Chicago, Amanda Heuer (Alex) of Madison, and John Melby (Marissa) of Oregon, Wis.; his grandchildren, Oliver and Vivian Heuer, Sienna, Decklan, and Landon Melby, and Nora, Evelyn, Luella and Wesley Basala; his twin sister, Jill Graewin (Allen); his brother, Brian (Linda Gunther); his former wife, Pamela; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; his brother-in-law, David Olson (Connie); his sister-in-law, Teri Olson; and very special friends, Owen and Jean Hoitomt, Rich Haldeman and Ken Downing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Lucille; his sister, Anita; and his brother-in-law, Donald Fanta.
Visitation will be from 2–5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, with a service at 4 p.m., at the Gunderson Funeral Home, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison.
