of Wauwatosa, WI, died on December 23, 2025, at the age of 77 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on March 5, 1948, the third of four boys born to Thomas George Melzer and Jean (Foster) Melzer. He was raised in Glenview, Illinois, in a multigenerational home with his parents, siblings, and grandmother, all of whom preceded him in death.

David was also preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Karen Jean (Nelson) Melzer. He is survived by his son, Andrew Melzer (his favorite), his daughter, Julia Melzer, and his three beloved granddaughters, Ingrid, Tamsin, and Poppy Melzer.

David served a three-year term in the U.S. Army, primarily in Alaska. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Illinois and took a job at Marshall Field’s. It was while working at the Cherryvale Mall location in Rockford, Illinois, that he met his future wife, Karen.

David could be reserved and was unfailingly polite. When Karen first met him, she thought he was stuck up and arrogant. He wasn’t. If you were one of the lucky few to make it past the reserved exterior, you found someone funny and quirky, with a silent laugh that could shake the ground around him. He liked to turn on The Lawrence Welk Show to settle disputes over what to watch on TV. He was mischievous.

David valued etiquette and manners. He was consistently kind and respectful to everyone, whether it was deserved or not. He showed up on time and prepared for any planned activity, always well dressed. No matter what happened, he carried on and made the most of every situation.

David loved animals, and animals loved him. He enjoyed finding and cooking new recipes and was always eager to try new restaurants. He was ready for any adventure, big or small. In his later years, he traveled often with friends and family, including river cruises in Europe; a train trip to the Pacific Northwest with his son and granddaughters; and a road trip to Vermont with his daughter (his actual favorite child). He was a great travel companion and always smiled for selfies in a way that seemed genuinely delighted—and also slightly like he was humoring his kids.

He will be greatly missed and always loved. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Horizon Hospice. You can find out more about the organization and make a donation in David's name here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/HHCHmemorials/DavidMelzer