DeWayne E. Melichar

DeWayne E. Melichar, age 72, of Fredonia, fell asleep peacefully at home on Dec. 19, 2019, of heart failure.

Wayne was born on Oct. 7, 1947, in Port Washington, the son of Alex and Evelyn (Effenheim) Melichar.

As soon as he could hold a shovel, during his summer vacations from school, he worked side by side with his Dad laying curb, gutter and sidewalk in most Ozaukee County municipalities. After his dad retired, Wayne continued working for T. P. Concrete until he retired.

He graduated from Grafton High School.  The Army drafted him and he served in the Vietnam War.

At age 30, he saved enough money to buy an old farmhouse in Fredonia. Being a jack of all trades and a master of them all, he gutted the house to its studs, floor and all, and rebuilt it all by himself, from the roof to the cellar.  He replaced floor beams in the barn and put on steel roofing and siding.  He enjoyed restoring Old Iron, especially Allis-Chalmers, which he used to make hay on his five acres. His latest project was repairing his parents’ house to get it ready to sell. He almost got it finished. He was always ready to help anyone out when he could.

Wayne is survived by his son Ryan Melichar of La Valle; two sisters, Debra (Dallas) Fry of La Valle and Denise Melichar of Wonewoc; nieces Misty Fry and Tammy (Josiah) Woirol; and many relatives and friends.

Wayne will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Grafton. A celebration of life will be held at the Fillmore Turner Hall, 523 County H, Fredonia, on Jan. 11, 2020, from noon to 4 p.m.