Irene Mellich

Irene L. Mellich, age 95, of Battle Creek, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018. She was born July 17, 1923 in Battle Creek, Michigan the daughter of John and Mary (Szmyd) Wilk. Irene was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church, Polish National Alliance Club #2416, Croatian Fraternal Union #533 and the Eagles Lodge. She was Lady Vice President and the oldest living member of the PNA Club, and volunteered at Leila Hospital, Bronson Battle Creek and Fieldstone for many years. Prior to her retirement in 1985, she had worked at the Kellogg Company for 42 years. On January 26, 1946, Irene was married to Nicholas W. Mellich who preceded her in death on March 9, 1990. She was also preceded by a son, Rodney A. Mellich; sister, Delores Billington and three brothers: Chester, Tom and John Jr. Irene is survived by her daughter: Marcia A. Mellich of Battle Creek; three sisters: Emily “Meme” Lentych of South Bend, IN, Julia Shirk of Battle Creek and Patricia Gresley of Ceresco; three brothers: Stanley Wilk of Battle Creek, Jack “Kuba” Wilk of Battle Creek and Louie Wilk of Delton; many nieces and nephews; her “almost daughter in law”, Diane Melchert and extended family Terri and Vishnu Sookhai, and their children Christoffer Sookhai and Alexandria Wolbert; and Trinity, Logan and James Mears. The family would like to give special thanks to her niece Pam Gresley for the wonderful care given to her. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018 at St. Philip Catholic Church with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. www.henryfuneralhome.org