Patricia “Patty” K. Melby, 51, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002, at her home following a one year battle with breast cancer.

She was born in La Crosse on Oct. 19, 1950 to Louis and Margaret (Bedessem) Melby. Patty attended UW-La Crosse and was a member of the track and field and cross country teams on which she excelled in the mile and half mile and was undefeated in state competition. After graduating in 1974, Patty was a coach for UW-L Women’s cross country and track teams from 1974 to 1977. Also after graduating, Patty competed in marathons and 10K runs throughout the United States. In 1994, Patty inducted into the UW-L Wall of Fame. Patty was employed at the Company Store for 26 years and loved the family of friends that developed throughout the years.

The Christmas season has always been special to Patty. She enjoyed collecting Christmas items and turned her home in to a Christmas wonderland every year. The most important part of Patty’s life was her family and friends, and she will be greatly missed.

Patty is survived by Hunter, Bucket, and Chips; two sisters, Mary (Julius) Perrault of Kenosha, Wis. and Jean (Dan) Schreiter of La Crosse; five brothers, Michael (Sharon) Melby of Owego, N.Y., Arthur (Diane) Melby of La Crosse, Christopher Melby of Chaseburg, Wis., Lewis (Eileen) Melby of Glendive, Mont., and John Melby, also of La Crosse; six nephews, Jason, Mike, and Jim Melby, Christopher and Brian Campbell and James L. Schreiter; and three nieces, Jenny and Laura Melby and Peggy Medina.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents.

A time of fellowship will be held Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 1425 Jackson St. A private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gundersen Lutheran House of Hope or Hospice.