Alberta Mae "Birdie" Melcher

Alberta Mae “Birdie” Melcher, 88, of Angola, Indiana passed away peacefully with her husband Eugene “Gene” Melcher by her side Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

She was born on April 11, 1934, in Ossian, Indiana to Luther and Meta (Buuck) Dettmer. Birdie was united in marriage to Eugene “Gene” Melcher on April 8, 1956, and he survives.

She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont, Indiana.  She and Gene had been members of Emanuel Lutheran Church prior to that since their wedding day.

Birdie was a beautician for 30 years in New Haven where she enjoyed getting to know her customers.  Additionally, she took great pride in her vocation of taking care of her family.

Birdie’s greatest love was her family . She cherished the days spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Birdie was very involved in Polka Dancing, took extreme pride in her flower bed s, playing cards, spending the winters in Ft. Myers, Florida, and summers at Lake James. Gene and Birdie enjoyed the Lake James area so much it became their home.  While at the lake, she was able to continue her “hobby” of fishing along with entertaining friends and family.  She became an active participant at the Lake James Lutheran Chapel.  Being a faithful witness to her Lord was also important to Birdie, regardless of how far she was away from home.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Eugene “Gene” Melcher of Angola, Indiana; son, Gary (Chris) Melcher of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; sister, Valera (Gene) Evans of Fort Wayne, Indiana; three grandchildren, Joshua (Nikole) Melcher, Ryan (Jackie) Melcher, and Jessica (Chris) Zablocki; and eight great-grandchildren,  Jax Melcher, Jake Melcher, Clara Melcher, Micah Melcher, Maddux Melcher, Zoey Zablocki, Zara Zablocki, and Zola Zablocki.

Birdie was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service for Birdie will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green Street, New Haven, Indiana with Pastor Jeff Teeple officiating. Burial will follow at Concordia Cemetery Gardens, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Family and friends will be received from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2023, at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.

Preferred memorials can be given to Peace Lutheran Church Building Fund; Emanuel Lutheran Church; Worship Anew; or donor’s choice

Arrangements are by the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur