In Memoriam: Gloria Melges

Born in New Jersey on May 27, 1931, Gloria was raised spending summers aboard a Great Lakes cruising sailboat out of Chicago, where her father served as Commodore of the Columbia Yacht Club. This unique upbringing instilled in her a lifelong passion for the water and sailing.

Gloria pursued higher education at Northwestern University Dental School, where she graduated with honors. During her time at Northwestern, she met and fell in love with Wisconsin yachtsman Harry C. “Buddy” Melges Jr. Their relationship blossomed, but their time together was interrupted when Buddy went to serve in the Korean War. Despite the distance, their love grew stronger through the heartfelt letters they exchanged while he was away. Upon Buddy’s return, he proposed to Gloria, and they were married shortly thereafter. Their deep bond and unwavering love for sailing became the foundation of their 69-year marriage, a passion they passed on to their three children: Laura, Harry III, and Hans. During their seven decades together, Gloria was a steadfast supporter of Buddy’s illustrious career, cheering for him both on and off the water.

Gloria’s legacy extends beyond her family. She was the first female Commodore of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, a testament to her trailblazing spirit. Her contributions to the sport were highlighted by her outstanding work as a crew member in Classes A, E, and C, and her esteemed role as a Race Committee member and Principal Race Officer for Lake Geneva Yacht Club fleets, as well as at national and international events, including the Star Class World Championship, Pan American Games, and America’s Cup competitions.

In recognition of her exceptional service, Gloria was honored as the first recipient of the Huse Inland Lake Yachting Association Sportsmanship Trophy in November 2019. She also earned accolades as a US Sailing Senior Race Officer and an Inland Lake Sailing Association Senior Race Officer. Her remarkable contributions were further acknowledged with the Ed Malone Judges Trophy as Inland Lake Yachting Association Race Committee/Judge of the Year, the Bilge Pullers Cannon as Outstanding Inland Lake Yachting Association Race Management Corps Volunteer, and twice with the Dr. and Mrs. Will F. Lyon Award for Outstanding Race Committee Service from the Lake Geneva Yacht Club.

Many sailors considered Gloria a “second mom,” having cultivated a warm and welcoming sailing community throughout the world. One of Gloria’s many favorite activities was hosting international competitors at their home on Geneva Lake. Along with Buddy, she helped create an environment where young sailors could thrive, learn, and develop a lifelong love for the sport. Her nurturing spirit left an indelible mark on the sailing world.

Beyond the water, friendships formed from her passion for crafts; participating in sewing, rosemaling, and rug-hooking clubs, as well as having served as the President of the Questers Association.

Survived by her three children, Laura Melges, Hans Melges, and Harry C. Melges III (Suzanne), Gloria is also remembered by her grandchildren, Olivia Arbaugh, Hunter Arbaugh, Harry C. Melges IV, Monroe Melges, Hans Melges, Maxx Melges, and Maverik Melges. She is preceded in death by her husband, Harry Clemons “Buddy” Melges Jr., her brother, Dr. Alfred “Boody” Wenzel, her sister-in-law, Marilyn Snudden, and by her parents, Alfred and Laura Wenzel. Family was the center of Gloria’s world, and she will forever be remembered for her infectious smile, hospitable nature, and her adoring love for Buddy.

Gloria will be deeply missed, but her gracious spirit will forever sail on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Text and image provided by the Melges family.