Rev. Frank David Melchior, 80, passed away on August 15, 2014 at Bellin Hospital. He was born on August 31, 1933 in Algoma to the late Leo "Ole" and Petronella "Nell" (Biese) Melchior. He was the third of nine children. He attended high school and junior college at St. Nazianz; philosophy at St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, MN; and theology at the American College of the University of Louvain, Belgium.
Fr. Frank was ordained by Bishop McNulty for the Diocese of Green Bay at Louvain, Belgium on June 28, 1959. Father Melchior's first appointment was as Chaplain of St. Mary Memorial Hospital, Kewaunee. He served as Assistant Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Menasha (1959) and then Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Kimberly (1964). In 1969, he became Pastor of St. Kilian Parish, New Franken in addition to serving in the diocesan Marriage Tribunal. In 1972, he became Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, Kewaunee. He served as Associate Pastor of Most Precious Blood Parish, New London (1977) and then, beginning in 1979, as Pastor of St. Michael Parish, Suring, with station at Chute Pond. Father's service also included being Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Green Bay, his roles in the Marriage Tribunal, and service as Temporary Administrator of St. John Parish, Gillett and St. Martin Parish, Cecil. On June 30, 1996, Fr. Frank retired from active ministry. Over his 55 years in the priesthood, he touched the lives of many.
In his spare time Fr. Frank enjoyed having Mass with his family, listening to instrumental music, watching operas, and playing the harmonica. He also enjoyed working on computers.
Fr. Frank is survived by one sister Jeanette Kinpfer, Algoma; six brothers Robert (Dorothy) Melchior, Sturgeon Bay; Richard Melchior, Kansas City, MS; Leo Melchior, Grafton; Jerome Melchior, Algoma; Tom (Marilyn) Melchior, Luxemburg; Ronald Melchior, Argonne; many nieces and nephews including Kathy (Jim) Stoffel, Jon (Ann) Knipfer, Robert Knipfer, Michael Knipfer, Mary (friend Scott) Melchior, Patti (Kevin) Quinn, Mark (friend Jan) Melchior, Jan (Bob) Weber, Mary (friend Phil) Knudsen, Greg (Colleen) Melchior, Jeff (friend Kathy) Melchior, Lisa (Bob) Meier, Mike (Jennifer) Melchior, Tom (Sheila) Melchior, Maureen (Kurt) Phillips, Sue (Mike) Bair, Steve Melchior, and David Melchior. He is further survived by special friends Servando Garcia and family, and Fr. John Van Deuren.
He was preceded in death by one brother James Melchior; two sisters-in-law Marge Melchior, and MaryAnn Melchior; and one brother-in-law Frank "Page" Knipfer.
Visitation will be held at Wiesner and Massart Funeral Home, 1617 Flora Ave. Algoma, on Monday August 18, 2014 from 4 to 8 P.M. Prayer Service will take place at 7 P.M. with Fr. John Van Deuren. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, August 19 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Algoma from 9:30 to 11 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 A.M. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Online condolence messages may be shared here .
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Odd Fellows Rehab, Unity Hospice, and Bellin Hospital for their care and concern shown to Fr. Frank.
