Shirley Ann Melka

Born January 29th, 1949, in Marquette, a daughter of William and Leona (Pleau) LaPlante, Shirley was raised in Marquette, attended the former St. John’s Elementary School, and graduated from Bishop Baraga High School in 1967. She was employed as a secretary-clerk with CIT Financial for a time before employment in 1978 in the business office at Bell Telephone Company. In 1980, she transferred to the facility on Highway 41 as secretary-clerk, retiring in 2004, from the Installation and Maintenance Department. Following retirement, Shirley and husband, Paul Melka, whom she married on February 18th, 1983, enjoyed wintering in Venice, Florida for 14 years. Shirley enjoyed the outdoors and, in her leisure moments, took beach walks, enjoyed boating, bicycling, gardening, and attending rummage sales, however, family was her priority, especially the grandchildren and she treasured the moments spent with them and enjoyed following their activities. Along with her interests, Shirley had a special place in her life for her rescue dogs and always supporting Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter. She was a member of St. Peter Cathedral and Telephone Pioneers of America.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Paul Melka; her children, Scott (Sandy) Nadeau and Jason (Stefanie) Nadeau both of Marquette, and Mike Melka of Green Bay, WI; her grandchildren, Kayla Arbelius, Lexi Trarp, Alex Nadeau, and Oliver Nadeau; her sisters, Germaine Matthews of Venice, FL and Carol (Clude) Patrick of Lawrenceville, GA; several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Jim Melka and Roby Melka; a sister, Joyce Williams; and brother-in-law, Harold Matthews.

Honoring Shirley’s request, no services will be scheduled. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to UPAWS (Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter), P.O. Box 968, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.