contributor: Ron Renquin

Green Bay Press Gazette  
3 October 2001, Page B-4  

Mrs. Melba A. Lince, 88, Oconto, died Monday afternoon, October 1, 2001, at Oconto Memorial Hospital. The former Melba Merline was born Nov. 28, 1912, in Oconto, to Howard S. and Jane (DeJarlais) Merline. Melba was married to Clare "Bubs" E. Lince on Nov. 2, 1942 by a U.S. Army Chaplain in Mississippi. She worked for the Oconto County Register of Deeds from 1941 until 1953, serving as a deputy during that time. In 1953 she moved to Milwaukee where she worked for the former Omar Bakeries in the purchasing department. She then worked for Speaker Sortations Systems in purchasing and inventory control, and finished her working years with the F. W. Boelter Company, retiring in 1976. Melba returned to Oconto in the 90's to make her home. Melba was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Oconto. She was an avid sports person who greatly enjoyed swimming, skiing, golfing, tennis, ice skating, and ballroom dancing, most of which she took part in until several years ago. Most recently she enjoyed watching squirrels and people.

Surviving are a brother, Sylvester Merline, Camp Douglas, sister-in-law Joan Merline, Oconto, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Howard A. Merline, as sister, Florence Merline, and a sister-in-law, Rosemary Merline.

Family and friends may call at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Oconto from 9 until 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, 2001. Funeral Liturgy 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Church. The Rev. David C. Ruby officiating. Interment at Oconto Catholic Cemetery.