Phyllis “Dede” Amelse, age 87, formerly of Tomahawk, passed away peacefully on Nov. 4, 2021 at Lake Shore Home in Lake Tomahawk.
Dede was born on Aug. 27, 1934 to Luke and Viola (Ungerer) Hufschmid in Tomahawk. She graduated from St. Mary’s and Tomahawk High School. On June 25th, 1955, she married Albert Amelse at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. After marriage, they moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., then to Kenosha, Wis., where they lived for 30 years. While in Kenosha, Dede worked at Warwick Electronics and for Lake County Society for Human Development in Gurnee, Ill. She also worked for many years at the Christmas Tree Story House Museum as a tour guide. After Al’s retirement, they moved back to Tomahawk. In Tomahawk, she worked at Four Seasons Motel and Standard Mercantile. She belonged to two Bunco clubs, Canasta club, TOPS Club, Historical Society and St. Mary’s bible study. Dede was an avid sports fan, always cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Brewers. After Al passed away, Dede moved to One Penny Place in Woodruff. After health problems, she went to Lake Shore Home in Lake Tomahawk.
Dede was always the life of the party, making everyone feel happy. She loved playing Bunco with the girls. She had many friends and enjoyed life to the fullest. She also did a lot of volunteering helping out at St. Mary’s School and in the Tomahawk community.
Dede is survived by her nephew – Johnny Hufschmid, cousins – Mary Hoban of Lac du Flambeau, Mike Draeger of Milwaukee and Nancy Reimer of Madison. She is preceded in death by her husband – Albert, her parents – Lucas and Viola Hufschmid, and brother – John.
The Funeral Service for Phyllis “Dede” Amelse will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 at Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Inurnment will take place at St. Augustine Cemetery in Harrison.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Mary Catholic School would be appreciated.
Mary, Mike and Nancy would like to thank Jessica and the aides of Lake Shore Home and One Penny Place for their care.
Krueger Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the full obituary and leave online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.