Joy Frank-Melton

McFarland/Madison - Joy M. Frank-Melton, age 82 passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2012. She was born on the family farm in the township of Excelsior, Sauk County on May 2, 1930 to William and Elsie (Mueller) Dwars. She attended school in Ableman, which later became Rock Springs. She lived with her sister, Marjorie while attending Baraboo High School, graduating in 1948. On October 15, 1948 she married Walter M. Frank who was employed as a plumber at Schadde Plumbing in Baraboo. The family moved to Madison in 1952 and they were blessed with two daughters, Patricia Ann and Barbara Joy. Joy loved life and all of its challenges but the greatest love of her life was family. She was a talented artist and singer during her life, having been a member of the Madison Civic Chorus. Her hobbies also included sewing, oil painting and baking, especially cookies for her grandsons and their hockey teams. She enjoyed watching their games in and out of town. Joy was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and also enjoyed occasional trips to Ho Chunk. In 1984, she married Henry T. Melton of Madison who was employed in the mechanical department at Oscar Mayer. They moved to McFarland in 1988and enjoyed traveling around the country and Hawaii. On October 15, 2005 Henry passed away after 21 years of marriage. Joy was employed for 32 years at the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services as a business manager. She was a member of Kayra for 33 years, the Madison area widowed group. She is a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Madison. Joy is survived by her two daughters; Patricia (John) Cox and Barbara (Melvin) Casto, five grandchildren; Meredith (Joshua) Cox Borchert, David Cox, Brandon (Kristy) Casto, Barrett Casto and Jordan (Amanda) Casto, two great grandchildren; Adelaide Rose Borchert and Evan Walter Casto, sister; Laureen Bender, God daughter; Kathleen Giese and two nephews; Keith (Kathy) Bender and John (Diane) Giese. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 31 years, Walter Frank and her husband of 21 years, Henry "Hank" Melton and two sisters; Marjorie Dwars and Audrey Giese.
Memorial services will be held at OUR SAVIOUR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1201 Droster Road, Madison, on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 11:00 am. Pastor Brad Homan, who has been a wonderful source of comfort and support for Joy will officiate. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, July 7, 2012 from 10:00 am until the time of service. A private family burial will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in North Freedom, WI. Memorials may be made to the family for Joy's special charities.

Cress Funeral Home
3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison
608-249-6666
www.cressfuneralservice.com