Louise Marie (Erpenbach) Melby, 101, passed away on July 16, 2025, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. She was born on September 6, 1923, in Cook Creek, near Ontario, on a farm, to Lawrence and Florence (Fuenger) Erpenbach.
She was united in marriage to Leo Melby on February 3, 1941, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Norwalk. They had four children: Roger, Duane, Alan, and stepdaughter Joan Diehl. Louise and Leo farmed in Cook Creek for 32 years before moving to Norwalk in 1971. Later, Louise relocated to Cashton. In addition to being a full time farm wife, she held several jobs outside the home; her last full time position was as a cook for 21 years at Brookwood High School.
She was active in her community, a member of the P.C.C.W. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Eagles Club in Viroqua, and the Ontario Homemakers for many years. Louise enjoyed baking, cooking, playing cards, and entertaining.
She is survived by her son Duane; daugther-in-law Loriann; special niece Janet Williams; special nephew Cole Hewitt; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Leo; stepdaughter Joan; sons Roger and Alan; and daughters-in-law Carol and Karen; grandson Lucas; her parents, Lawrence and Florence Erpenbach; brothers Joseph and Hubert; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-laws.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 21, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Norwalk, WI. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Monday beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
