Dorothy "Dottie" Melchior

Dorothy Katherine “Dottie” Melchior, 86, Topeka, Kansas, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Dottie was born March 21, 1940, in Topeka, the daughter of Aloysius “Boots” and Agnes Flynn Strecker. She attended Holy Name Grade School and graduated from Hayden High School in 1958 where she was a cheerleader. Dottie was lots of fun. One of five children, theirs was a busy household, always welcoming friends and family. On February 3, 1962, Dottie and Donald Melchior were united in marriage at Holy Name Catholic Church, enjoying more than 49 years together prior to Don’s death June 21, 2011. Dottie had a varied work history serving as secretary at both Most Pure Heart of Mary Church and as the first secretary of the new Christ the King Church. She was also employed by the State of Kansas in the Kansas Association of Counties and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. In her retirement, Dottie occasionally helped her cousin by answering the phones at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home. Left to cherish Dottie’s memory are her children, Dan Melchior (Julie), Diana Lee (Larry) and Debi Meier (Todd); grandchildren, Lauren Johnson (Luke), Evan Melchior, Nathan Melchior, Joshua Lee (Jourdyn), Matthew Lee, Maria Brownfield (Alec), Nora Brooks (Jesse), Malory Bychinski (Ian), Audrey Shattuck (Parker), Kyle Meier and Allyson Meier; great-grandchildren, Leo Johnson, Penelope Bychinski, Ember Brooks and Isla Lee. Dottie was also preceded in death by her parents and all her siblings, Elizabeth “Betty” Stewart, Wiliam “Bill” Strecker, Carl “Pete” Strecker and Jeannie Boos as well as their spouses. As the last remaining member of the Boots and Agnes Strecker family, Dottie’s children are positive those who were called Home before were awaiting her with loving open arms exclaiming, “What took ya so long?” Family will greet friends Wednesday, September 9, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where the rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church on Thursday, at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hayden Catholic High School or Most Pure Heart of Mary Church Ministry of Care, sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.

Dorothy "Dottie" Melchior

March 21, 1940 - September 2, 2026