Our dear mother went to her heavenly home on 03 February 2024 to reunite with her beloved husband of forty-nine years and to meet our blessed Lord and Savior. Bea was born to Herbert and Mathilda Fritsch on 17 December 1922. Bea married Harry Clarence Melius on 28 February 1942 in Waukesha, WI. They later moved to New Berlin, WI. Our parents retired from A&P Tea Co. and then moved to Crandon, WI where they enjoyed their golden years together.

Our mother was preceded in death by her parents, sisters (Emma, Audrey, Joyce, and Elaine) and brothers (Ralph and Ronald). Bea is survived by her sister Arlene Phillips, daughter Janice Sue and sons Mark Kevin (Shannon) and Glen Michael (Mary). Our mother is also survived by granddaughters Susan (Andrew) Senti, Sara (Tyler) Melius and Amy (Andrew) Pankow. Our mother is further survived by six great-grandchildren: Lauren and Asher Senti; and Anika, Leah Bea, Samuel, and Naomi Pankow.

Bea was devoted to caring for her family, keeping her home, and remaining strong in her faith. Her other greatest passions were knitting and maintaining her flower gardens. Together, our parents were actively involved in several aspects of their community: St. Luke's United Methodist Church, the Masons, and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Our mother's long and full life will be celebrated in Crandon, WI by her beloved family at a future date.

"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." ~Psalm 73:28

"I come to the garden alone | While the dew is still on the roses | And the voice I hear, falling on my ear | The Son of God discloses | And He walks with me | And He talks with me | And He tells me I am His own | And the joy we share as we tarry there | None other has ever known." (the hymn "In the Garden", ca. 1913)