Melodie J. Wardecke, 83, of Suring, passed away in the home where she was raised on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, with her family by her side.
She was born June 10, 1942 — a sweltering hot day — to the late Gordon and Ethel (Kopitzke) Tousey at the “old, old” Oconto Falls Hospital. In her early years, Melodie was a free spirit; there were never enough recesses for her. She graduated from Suring High School with the class of 1960 and went on to earn her CNA license from Hinsdale Hospital.
On Aug. 6, 1961, she married Duane Wardecke at the Underhill Seventh-day Adventist Church. Melodie was a proud member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians.
The couple first settled at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, where Duane was stationed in the U.S. Army, and later moved to Maryland, where he served at Walter Reed Medical Center. Their first child, Rachel, was born there. They returned to Wisconsin for a time, where their second child, Greg, was born.
The family later moved to Walla Walla, Washington, living there for three years and welcoming their third child, Kent. In 1968, they relocated to Hamburg, Pennsylvania, where their fourth child, Camilla, was born.
In 1977, Melodie graduated from Reading Area Community College in Reading, Pennsylvania, earning her degree in nursing. She excelled as a registered nurse, a profession she dedicated herself to until her retirement.
In 2006, Melodie and Duane moved for the final time, retiring to Suring — a place deeply meaningful to her.
Melodie is survived by her husband of 64 years, Duane; four children, Rachel Wardecke, Gregory (Lisa Wilber) Wardecke, Kent (Beth) Wardecke and Camilla (Matthew) Pettle; her goddaughter, Mi-ok Chung; daughter-in-law, Alisa Denno-Wardecke; four siblings, LouAnn (Allen Lenzner) Tousey, Chique (Ray) Tousey-Tabar, Jay (Katie) Tousey and Tony (Cindy) Tousey; three grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by an aunt, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will tentatively be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Lena Seventh-day Adventist Church (details to follow), with Pastor Carlton Mouzon officiating.
Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.
A special thank you goes to Melodie’s family, dear friends, her many caregivers and her church family for their support during her time of need.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA.org).
