John Melcher Sr.

John “Jack” Herman Melcher Sr., 85 of Beach Park, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at his home.

He was born on February 13, 1934 to the late Herman and Margarite (Shephard) Melcher in Barrington, IL. He served in the United States Army. On February 12, 1983 he married his wife JoAnn. Jack was a well-known antique toy collector, especially his collection of Radio Premiums. He was widely-known in his field of memorabilia collection and he wrote the first price guide for Radio Premiums. Jack and his wife, JoAnn enjoyed many years of participating in Antique Toy shows throughout the United States. He also co-owned the Mel-Ode Coin shop in Waukegan, IL. He was an avid fan and collector of Jack Benny memorabilia. He was a member of the Gurnee American Legion Post 771.

Jack is survived by his wife, JoAnn, his son John (Debra) Melcher Jr., his daughter, Bonnie Elsbury, his step-children, Annette (Dennis) Cronin and Randy Peters, his grandchildren; Eric (Lenia) Elsbury, Amber (Mike) Yocco, Joshua (Natalie) Melcher, and Jonathon (Sarah) Melcher, his step-grandchildren, Lauren (Brian) Fish and Cerria Peters, his great grandchildren; River, Zoe, Veda, Daria and Max Melcher, his brother Bill Eiserman and his sister, Sandra (Gary) Long.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Eiserman.

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Warren Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 1475 N. Cemetery Rd. Gurnee, IL. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home. Fr. James Merold will officiate.

Inurnment will be at Warren Cemetery.

Warren Funeral Home and Cemetery is assisting the family.