Melissa Jayne Bischoff, 49, passed away on October 10, 2020 with her family by her side in Winfield, Illinois. She was born January 24, 1971 in Highland Park, Illinois to her parents, Jayne and Paul Bischoff.

She was dedicated in 1972 to God with her sister, Megan, at the Church of the Redeemer in Lake Forest, Illinois. Melissa was raised in the Glen Ellyn Covenant Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and as an adult was baptized in Lake Michigan as a member of the Park Street Church in Chicago.

Melissa was a 1989 graduate of Glenbard West High School and 1993 from the University of Dayton with a major in communications. She had lasting friendships going back to her elementary school days. Her career included project management positions in marketing and advertising.

Melissa's taste for adventure took her to Colombia, London, Paris, Germany, the French countryside and Cabo. She loved living by Lake Michigan or Portage Lake at family reunions in Michigan. She had a strong faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ as the basis for her compassion and advocacy for others. She loved our country and military and was a real patriot. Melissa followed the news of each day and wasn't timid about expressing her opinions. She was an active participant in social media, especially with her tumor support group. Melissa actively urged· members of Congress to increase funding for brain and spinal tumor research.
Melissa was a 10-year spinal tumor survivor and recently fought hard against the deficits of cancer doing the best she could. She leaves a legacy of compassion and advocacy for others with long-term illness.

Melissa is survived by her grandmother, Ruth Mikolon; parents, Jayne and Paul Bischoff; her brother, Paul (Elizabeth) and sisters Megan (Mike) and Melanie (Matt); nieces, Faith and Mary Rose Bischoff, Phoebe Blum, and Matilda Smith; and nephews, Paul and Noah Bischoff, and Alex, Trevor, and Ethan Blum. Her nieces and nephews were her pride and joy.

A visitation will be at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2020.

Contributions may be made to the Melissa Bischoff Memorial Fund payable to the Hultgren Funeral Home.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.