Ted Melanson, age 89, lifelong resident of Two Rivers, passed away peacefully with family at his side, Monday evening, November 2, 2026 at the Sharon Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls.

Ted was born in Two Rivers on August 28, 1937 to Thomas and Josephine (Schemenowski) Melanson. He attended St. Luke’s Catholic School and graduated from Washington High School with the class of 1955. Ted then proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army (1956-1958). On November 26, 1960 he was united in marriage to JoAnn Gretz at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Norman. The couple was blessed with three daughters and almost 58 years of marriage before JoAnn’s passing on August 25, 2018.

Ted worked as a route serviceman for Canteen Vending for 38 years until his retirement and after retiring continued to work part-time for Wisconsin Public Service for the next 15 years. Always a big time sport enthusiast, Ted enjoyed all Wisconsin Sports teams both as a spectator and avid sports fan. He was well known and will be remembered as a longtime coach and referee throughout the Lakeshore area. He was the original founder of the Two Rivers Horseshoe League and continued to organize the league for many years; he is also an inducted member of the Lakeshore All Sports Hall of Fame. Ted and JoAnn enjoyed many years camping with family and friends. They also loved bicycling well into their later years. Ted was a faithful member of his church, St. Peter the Fisherman Parish, where he served for many years as president of the Men’s Club.

He is survived by his three daughters & sons-in-law: Theresa (Doug) Jerke, Susan (Sid) Kemp, and Sara (Mike) Lipski; his grandchildren: Derrick (Bethann) Jerke, T.J. (Megan) Jerke, Kyle (Holly) Greenwood, Spencer Greenwood, Claire Kemp, Aaron Lipski; one step-grandson, Joe (Amber) Kemp; along with great-grandchildren: Cora Grace, Caide, Callahan, and Jovie Jerke; and step great-grandchildren: Alex, Max, and Lily Kemp. Further survivors include one sister & brother-in-law, Katherine (Allen) Beranek; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law: Georgiana Melanson, Marie Riha, Janet (Jack) Pelnar, Jim Gretz, Eileen Gretz; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Josephine Melanson; his wife, JoAnn; his brother, Richard Melanson; two sisters & brothers-in-law, Carol (Roger) Kadow, Joanne (John) Eggers; father-in-law & mother-in-law, Stanley and Emma Gretz; in-laws: Ken Gretz, John Riha, Betty Gretz; and nephew, Charles Riha.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2026 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 3201 Mishicot Rd. Two Rivers. Rev. Louis Golamari will preside at the memorial mass, with military graveside honors immediately following at the church. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Two Rivers.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church Monday, Nov. 9th from 10:30 am until 12:45 pm. There will be no Sunday evening visitation.

Online condolence messages may be shared at DejaMartin.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roncalli High School, St. Peter the Fisherman Parish, or Sharon Richardson Community Hospice.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Melanson family with funeral arrangements.

The Melanson girls would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Sharon Richardson Community Hospice for the excellent care and compassion given to our father. The kindness extended is very much appreciated.