Melanie O. Perner

Melanie O. Perner, 77, of West Bend, passed away on December 15, 2025, at Samaritan Health Center in West Bend.

Melanie was born on December 18, 1947, in Milwaukee, the daughter of the late Roy and Hazel (nee Johnson) Hjort. Melanie was united in marriage to Stephen Perner at Augustana Lutheran Church on April 5, 1975. She was a passionate conversationalist who loved discussing politics, religion, cultures, local sports and the arts. Melanie was an avid family historian and genealogist for much of her adult life. She was responsible for connecting generations of family here and in Sweden. It was important to her to have valued traditions and heritage passed down in the family. She loved to cook and help her husband with the gardens. Melanie was an accomplished pianist and loved to play and listen to music. From Broadway music to classical piano concerti, music was nearly a constant in the home. She was fiercely committed to her personal values and eternally dedicated to her family. The love for her children and grandchildren was shown through her support in educational pursuits and the deep admiration she had for them.

Those Melanie leaves behind to cherish her memory include her two children, Lisa (Mark) Kitzke of Jackson, Wisconsin, and Derek Perner of San Francisco, California; two grandchildren, Joshua (Le Racha) Kitzke and Marissa Kitzke; a brother-in-law, Fred (Jane) Perner; nephews, Eric Hjort and Rick Perner; great nieces and great nephews, along with other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Melanie was preceded in death by her brother, Wally Hjort, sister, Illah Hjort and beloved nephew, Greg Hjort.

VISITATION: Melanie’s family will greet relatives and friends at the Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, in West Bend, on Friday, December 19, 2025, from Noon until 1:00 p.m.

SERVICE: A service for Melanie will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home in West Bend with Pastor Matt Hadley officiating. Burial will take place on Saturday at Lakeview Cemetery in Siren, Wisconsin at 1:00 p.m.