Melodee Lyn Bast

Melodee Lyn Bast

My beautiful mother, Melodee Lyn Bast, age 69, passed away on October 30, 2023. While it is never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, especially a parent, my hope is that she has now reunited with her beloved mother, Lorraine Bast, father, Harlan Bast, and brother, Ronald Bast, all of whom she loved and missed dearly.

Melodee was born July 31, 1954, in Milwaukee. She graduated from Custer High School in 1972 and prided herself on her work at the phone company and as a school bus driver, until she began her proudest and greatest role as a mother to Shelby with her now-former husband, Gary, in 1987. After a few years, she began working as a city bus driver for MCTS, where she worked as a single mom for much of it until her retirement in 2017. She then drove for a limo company part-time until last summer. My mom was known and admired by so many for her freshly pressed work uniforms, her magnificent jewelry, her signature hair and her smile.

Melodee had many hobbies; Victorian houses, sewing and cross stitch, collecting antiques, and gardening were among her favorites. She loved old movies and old music, especially the era of Motown and the one and only Elvis Presley. My mom loved the beach and to travel (minus the flights), and got to see fun places like Disneyland, Disneyworld, Cancun, New Orleans, Puerta Vallarta, Memphis, Detroit, Las Vegas, and Myrtle Beach. She was fortunate to meet many life-long friends who shared the same passions along the way. Over the last ten years, Melodee became active in the planning committee for her graduating Custer High School class. Her dedication and work on the committee led to her unofficial “Mother Custer” title.

My mom was the strongest, liveliest, and most generous person I’ve ever known. She could make conversation with anyone and remembered things that were important to those she cared about, checking in with them often. In June 2020, she received the devastating breast cancer diagnosis. She fought so hard through it all and shortly after surgery, went into remission. It wasn’t until August of 2023 when she found out the cancer had returned. It was a tough few months in and out of hospitals, but my mom was cared for and supported by many wonderful healthcare professionals, friends, and family, and always had a smile on her face or a joke lined up, even until the very end.

Melodee is survived by her only daughter, Shelby Netz, son -in-law, Chris Netz, her little brother Don, with whom she shared some of her greatest laughs with, her sister-in-law Bobbi, her nephew, Harley, and numerous friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 12pm with an open moment of sharing at 2pm at Jelacic Funeral Home, 5639 W. Hampton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53218. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society Home | Wisconsin Humane Society (http://wihumane.org). She loved dogs and was a dog-mom to many over the years, including her precious Stella.

Mom, I hope you get to see your sunshine again, and even though it feels like mine is gone for now, I know you will be the light in my heart forever. I love you, bunches.

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