Michael A. “Lefty” Melko  August 18, 1969 – March 12, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Michael A.  “Lefty” Melko currently of Hammond, Indiana and formerly of Lansing, Illinois. Despite his medical setbacks of the past couple of years, Michael’s thoughts were never far from camping, fishing or a great Rush Concert.  Words cannot express how much he will be missed by many, especially his family –loving wife, Elizabeth (nee Jenkins); devoted parents, Patricia Melko (nee Hibbs) and Michael (preceded in death); mother-in-law, Karen Rath (Vander Schilden); brother and best friend, Sean; and sister, Christine (nee Melko) Ross. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Kim Young, Caryn Hahne and Jackie Borgman; as well as his brother-in-laws, Christian Ross, Jay Young, Jim Hahne and Steven Borgman.  Michael treasured and embraced being an uncle to Tristan,Jordan Sarah, Mariah, Aaliyah, Sydney, Scarlett, Kiera, Nova, Jonah and Marissa Joy (preceded in death); and he loved his dogs, Natasha, Penny and Simon.

Just like his father, Michael would talk to anyone or anything offering his opinion and facts – whether they wanted to hear it or not. He was strong willed, like when he was 7 and determined to ride a bike with a full leg cast after a spiral break. He caddied for the rich and famous – Jim McMahon, Tom Dreesen, Fred Couples and Jay Levine to name a few. Most of all he loved to fish, especially on his parent’s lake, camp with his wife or just take a midnight ride to anywhere.

Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at KISH FUNERAL HOME 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN.  Interment will be private.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. until the 7:00 p.m. service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested to send donations to the Ronald McDonald House at Comer Children’s Hospital.