Melanie J. Moehling

Melanie J. Moehling of Marengo, IL passed away February 22, 2024 at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, IL. Melanie, also know as Mel by many of her friends, was the daughter of Maud Joerg Fischer and Edward Fischer. Born on October 25, 1946 in North Tonawanda, NY, she spent her childhood and teen years growing up in North Tonawanda along with her older brother Todd.

Melanie earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and her master’s degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago.  She spent her entire 33 years of teaching at Hanover Highland Elementary School in Hanover Park, IL.

Melanie was a special person, her love for animals was a defining aspect in her life, especially dogs. She got her first dog as soon as she was out of college, this was followed by another 15+ dogs in her life. Two of her dogs, Chase and Pippen, remain at home. Mel had many horses over the years, one, Charlie, is 38 yrs. old and is still grazing out in the pasture on her farm. Those horses she didn’t keep at her farm, she boarded at Tempel Farms in Wadsworth, IL and at Fireside Farm in Camp Lake, WI. She also provided homes for numerous goats and one pot-bellied pig which she gave to her husband for Christmas.

Melanie was an active member on the church council at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake for many years. She was also on the board of the Bull Valley Riding Club for 18 yrs. With all this she still found time to be an avid reader.

Mel was preceded in death by her parents, Maud Joerg Fischer and Edward Fischer; and as she crosses over the rainbow she will also be greeted by the wagging tails of all her four-legged companions.

She is survived by her brother Todd Fischer and his partner, Caren Braiman; her nephew Kyle Fischer; niece Lora Fischer-DeWitt (Grayson), and grand nephews, Finn and Emerson. Melanie is also survived by her former husband and friend, James A. Moehling, and his sons Mathew, Christopher, Todd and Michael.

Melanie will be remembered for her kindness and caring for all those around her, her many, many friends and all her animals.

It is Melanie’s wish that she be cremated with no funeral or memorial service. She has a beautiful farm with pastures where her ashes will be spread along with the ashes of her previous dogs. Donations in her memory, however, may be made to Young At Heart Senior Pet Adoption, 4301 Rt. 47, Woodstock, IL.

Melanie will be deeply missed. Her passing will leave a void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched. Rest in peace, Mel.