Melba C. Koegele

Melba passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026. She was born in Houston, Texas, on September 7, 1946, to Lila Mae and Louie Anton Wetz. She was the second of four children.

Melba graduated from M.B. Smiley High School and went on to enjoy successful careers in the insurance and healthcare industries. She retired from Baylor College of Medicine, where she worked for more than 20 years in the Pediatric Cardiology Department.

She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Melrose Chapter No. 920, as well as the Daughters of the American Revolution. Melba had a deep love of music and was a longtime member of her church choir. She also shared her musical gifts by playing both the piano and organ for church services.

In her spare time, Melba and her husband, Gerhard, were avid grape growers and winemakers. Together, they won several local competitions for their excellent vintages. They especially enjoyed hosting friends and family for the annual grape harvest, where many lasting memories were made. Melba also found great joy in quilting with her daughter, Terri.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Gerhard Koegele; her daughters, Terri Lynchard and husband Victor “Cub” of Magnolia, Texas, and Tanna Spell and husband Brent of New Braunfels, Texas; her son, Travis Brown and wife Lissa of St. Charles, Illinois; her grandchildren, Kathryn and Paul Lynchard, Rylie Spell Stieber, Tyler Spell, Kevin Brown, and Karsyn Brown Bemis; her great-grandchildren, Austin and Kaylee McBride, Avery Brown, Theodora and Charlotte Bemis, Kimberly, Matthew, and Shelby Lynchard; and her brother, Fred Wetz.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Lila Mae Wetz and Louie Anton Wetz; her siblings, Lee Wetz and Joyce Wetz; and her first husband, Ernest “Dean” Brown.

Pallbearers will be Travis Brown, Kevin Brown, Brent Spell, Tyler Spell, Rylie Spell, and Karsyn Brown.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Belmont Assisted Living in Carol Stream, Illinois, for their compassionate care and support for Melba in her final days.