David Eugene Melby
April 27, 1943 – July 15, 2022
David Eugene Melby, age 79 of Scandinavia, Wisconsin, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, July 15, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
He was born on April 27, 1943, in Iola, Wisconsin, son of the late Alvin and Esther (Gregerson) Melby.
On March 24, 1979, he married Judith Rogers Karpinski at Scandinavia Lutheran Church.
David graduated from the Waupaca High School in 1961. He was a member of the National Guard. His military service was shortened by illness which brought him home to the Melby Farm.
Farming was his lifelong passion, and he was proud to work the land that his ancestors had homesteaded in the 1850s. David was a dairy farmer with his family until a fire destroyed the barn in 1994. He then took on a new lifestyle driving truck until the age of 78, while crop farming throughout his life.
Other passions of David included fishing, hunting the turkeys and deer of the Melby Farm, and keeping track of his Brewers, Packers and Badgers. When given the chance he excitedly traveled to Canada to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed a good cup of coffee and a conversation.
David’s greatest passion though, was his family. David is survived by his wife Judy; sons Michael (Tangelia) Karpinski, John (Dianne) Karpinski, Joseph Karpinski, Kenneth (Tracy) Karpinski, James (Beth) Melby; and daughter Lisa (Gary) Schmidt. David had 17 grandchildren, including Jason (Taylor), Jeramy (Gisela), Justin (Farryne), Jordan, Joshua (Amy), Anna, Danielle, Angelina, Ryan, Ethan, and Landon Karpinski, Jane (Alex) Luchsinger, Natalie (Tate) Percival, Madelyn and Lydia Melby, Aeron and Owen Schmidt. He was also proud to have seven great-grandchildren.
He was also survived by his brother Gary Melby; sisters-in-law Mary Lou Melby and Barbara Gardner; brothers-in-law Jack Webie and Dennis (Donna) Rogers. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth Melby and sister Lois Webie.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 23 at 11 a.m. at Scandinavia Lutheran Church with Rev. David Eisele officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.