Melodie J. (Tousey) Wardecke, 83, of Suring, passed away in the home where she grew up Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, with her family by her side.
She was born June 10, 1942, to the late Gordon and Ethel (Kopitzke) Tousey in 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 in 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. 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 the 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 2006, Melodie and Duane moved for the final time, retiring to Suring, a place deeply meaningful to her.
In 1977, Melodie graduated from Reading Area Community College in Reading, Pennsylvania, with a degree in nursing. She excelled working as a registered nurse at Laurel Nursing Home and then at Community General Hospital for 31 years. Upon her retirement and move to Suring, Melodie was employed by Community Memorial Hospital and worked in their clinics as an RN.
Her church was an important part of her life, and no matter where they lived, she was involved in different aspects of church life. She especially enjoyed teaching the adult Bible study class so she could make people think.
Melodie was a proud member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians. She was also a founding member of the Suring Historical Society.
Melodie loved her birds and enjoyed feeding and watching them from her windows. The view of the water behind their home gave her peace and joy.
Melodie is survived by her husband of 64 years, Duane; four children, Rachel Wardecke, Gregory (Lisa Wilber) Wardecke, Kent (Beth) Wardecke and Camilla (Matt) Pettle; her goddaughter, Mi-ok Chung; former daughter-in-law, Alisa Denno; four siblings, LouAnn (Allen Lenzner) Tousey, Jay (Katie) Tousey, Chique (Ray Tabar) Tousey-Tabar and Tony (Cindy) Tousey; three grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by an aunt, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Lena Seventh-day Adventist Church, 538 Harley St., Lena, from 1-3 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at 3 p.m. with Pastor Carlton Mouzon officiating. The service will be livestreamed.
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).
