Obituary
Melissa Ann Rochester
On a cold Thanksgiving morning on November 27th, 1980, Melissa Ann Rochester was born in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. She grew up in the Prairie du Chein and Waunakee, Wisconsin. As soon as you got to know her, you realize that her stubbornness accompanies her sweetness.
One day, while visiting her grandparents as a toddler, she dashed outside to find the rabbits she had spotted earlier on a walk with her dad. She played hide and seek with Grandpa, enjoyed adventures in Spook Cave, went to circuses and zoos, and even had an Easter basket larger than herself. She was the first to catch a fish with her little pink pole during a family camping trip. All the fun that a little girl can have! She had a love for frogs, whether they were stuffed or not.
Her childhood changed when she was diagnosed with cancer. Ewing’s Sarcoma. Though her battle was long she won the odds. The only thing that changed was the color of her hair. She graduated from Waunakee, Wisconsin HS in 1999. After graduation she received her training and worked as a CNA.
She gave birth to a little girl named Jean Ann on March 1st, 2003. Melissa named her little girl after a dear friend of hers that shared the same hospital room also battling cancer but had lost the battle and passed away. Several years ago, Melissa moved to Missouri. She lived in the Clinton and Warsaw Areas. Her last job there was at Pop’s Place as a cook. She loved her job and life along with people she worked with that became a family to her.
Surviving is her dad, Dan (Rae) Rochester, and her mother, Carol Rochester. At the time of her passing Grandfather Clarence Rochester. Stepsisters Heather and Wendy Schultz, stepbrothers Grant (Nicole) Schultz and Paul (Heather)Schultz. Many Aunts, Uncles and cousins along with step nephews and step nieces and dear friends.
She is proceeded in death by her brother Travis Rochester, her sister Melinda Rochester. Her grandma, Joanne Rochester and grandparents, Carl and Bonnie Rabe. Cousin, Caleb Colsch and Uncles, Doug Cornforth and John Schneider.
Melissa left this earth on April 25,2025 and went home to be with others we have lost. Family and friends will remember Melissa along with her grandfather, Clarence Rochester, at, The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jason Stanton officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the time of service.
My thoughts and prayers are with in love as you celebrate Melissa’s life.