Robert "Bob" John Melchert Sr., passed away on October 25, 2015, in St. Louis, MO, with his wife Mary, daughter Mandy and Son Robert Jr. by his side. Many other family members were also there in support of each other. Bob was 56 years old and just two weeks from his 57th birthday.

Bob was born in Ladysmith, WI on November 8, 1958, the 2nd child of William "Bill" and Nancy (Edmunds) Melchert. During his childhood, Bob's family moved alot following his dad Bill's dream, instilling the love to travel in Bob.

In 1974, at the age of 16, Bob met the love of his life, Mary Allen, in Winter, WI. They married on May 19, 1975. They enjoyed 40 years of happiness and shared a deep love that others only dream of. They walked through life holding hands, always smiling and still very much in love. They lost their first unborn child in 1975, but were blessed in 1984 with a daughter, Amanda "Mandy" and again in 1986 with a son Robert Jr. Then with Mandy's marriage they gained another son, Brandon Hanson. On December 4th, 2007, they were truly blessed with the birth of their granddaughter Miah Hanson, who they lovingly called Pea-nut. She was the apple of his eye and they loved to pick on each other. Bob was an awesome husband, father and grandpa.

Bob loved being a grandpa, dad, husband, also to cook, fish, going to the casino, long rides with Mary, ice cream, chili, Mary's apple and pumpkin pie, and anything his cousin Karen would make for him. The many weekends spent with Aunt Caroline and Karen brought great joy to both Bob and Mary. He loved to putz around with his best bud, brother-in-law Jim Allen, who Bob fondly called "The Jimmer" and considered him to be his brother.

At age 14 Bob got his first full time job working at Stauter's Sawmill in South Dakota. He also worked for Walter Brothers in Radisson. In 1977, he and Mary moved to Anchorage, AK to help his parents start a family truck repair and parts shop (general parts and service), which later became one of the largest of its kind in Alaska. His dad immediately threw him under a truck and said "fix it". Before long Bob became one of the best mechanics around. In 1990, he and Mary bought 50% of the business and Bob became the youngest Vice President of any Peterbilt/Mack dealerships. He was highly liked and respected.

The summer of 1996 brought them back to Winter, where Bob worked as a log truck driver for Rick Good, and also road Construction for Rueben Johnson. In 2001 he was hired by the Town of Winter, a job he loved and enjoyed. Bob loved equipment and there was not a piece of equipment that he could not operate or fix. He retired from this position on July 9, 2015. Bob and Mary planned to travel in the cold months and return home for the warm ones. They had just arrived in Salem, MO, on their first adventure when he passed away.

He was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 139 and an elder of the LCO Tribe. Bob was a happy man and loved life, and was best known for his constant smile, his big heart, honesty, loyalty, hardworking, his awesome hugs, his love for family and friends, especially for his wife who he cherished. He was a gentle, caring man who was loved and liked by all.

He is survived by his wife Mary; daughter Amanda (Brandon) Hanson of Winter; son Robert Jr. of Phillips; granddaughter Miah Hanson; sister Darcie (Dave) Swanson of Prineville, OR; sisters-in-law Barbara Herndon, Phillis (Floyd) Kahl both of Winter; brother-in-law Jim (Sue) Allen of Winter; many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews & cousins. Also leaving behind his three special little bud's Molly, J and Foxie.

Bob was preceded by an unborn child; his parents William & Nancy; infant sister; brother Billy; father & mother-in-law Wilbur & Louise Allen; brother-in-law Wilbur Allen Jr.; sister-in-law Bertha Bishop; brother-in-law Charles Herndon.

Bob was one of those special, one of a kind men. The world was a brighter and better place with him in it and it will not be the same or as sweet without him. He will be loved and deeply missed by his family and anyone that was lucky enough to know him. Until we meet again; We Love You.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, November 8th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward, with a time of sharing beginning at 10:30 a.m.