Louise Marie (Erpenbach) Melby, 101, passed away on July 16, 2025, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. She was born on Sept. 6, 1923, in Cook Creek, near Ontario, on a farm, to Lawrence and Florence (Fuenger) Erpenbach.
She was united in marriage to Leo Melby on Feb. 3, 1941, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Norwalk. They had four children: Roger, Duane, Alan, and stepdaughter Joan Diehl. Louise and Leo farmed in Cook Creek for 32 years before moving to Norwalk in 1971. Later, Louise relocated to Cashton. In addition to being a full-time farm wife, she held several jobs outside the home; her last full-time position was as a cook for 21 years at Brookwood High School.
She was active in her community, a member of the P.C.C.W. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Eagles Club in Viroqua, and the Ontario Homemakers for many years. Louise enjoyed baking, cooking, playing cards, and entertaining.
She is survived by her son, Duane; a daughter-in-law, Loriann; a special niece, Janet Williams; a special nephew, Cole Hewitt; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; her stepdaughter, Joan; her sons, Roger and Alan; her daughters-in-law, Carol and Karen; her grandson, Lucas; her parents, Lawrence and Florence Erpenbach; her brothers, Joseph and Hubert; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-laws.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, July 21, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Norwalk. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Family and friends were invited for visitation Monday at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
