Ellen Couch

Marshall Wisconsin - Ellen Ann (Oesterle) Couch, age 87 entered peacefully into eternal life on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg, WI with family by her side. Ellen was born on May 2, 1929 in Madison, WI, the daughter of Professor Joseph and Helen (Shaeffer) Oesterle. She was united in marriage to Monte C. Couch on November 17, 1949 in Madison, WI. Ellen and Monte were devoted to one another throughout their 65 years of marriage.

Ellen, known affectionately as "Honey" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always had a love for working with children. Her favorite job prior to her marriage was working as a playground director. She taught games, and teamwork, various sports, and sportsmanship. She carried these lessons over to her family. She taught her children a life-long love of learning, a love for music, self-reliance, creativity, and a love for reading.

Ellen sang in her church choir for most of her life. She was an avid reader. She enjoyed gardening, and was able to produce enough in her garden to feed a family of eight throughout the winter, with extra to give away. She was always willing to lend a hand if someone was in need. She sewed clothing for her children when they were young. As her grandchildren and then great-grandchildren came along, she crocheted soft toys for them year after year. Ellen lived the principle of kindness.

In Ellen's words: "I feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful family. Thank you so much for everything you've done and just for being the loving caring people you are. From the time of my marriage I wanted a family built on love ... it gives joy and strength and is my gift to you."

Ellen is survived by three sons: Cliff (Ellen) of Maryland, Casey (Marian) of Tennessee, and Kelly (Kate) of Sun Prairie WI, and three daughters: Karen (Tom) Waddell of Marshall WI, Connie (David) Mathison of Oregon WI, and Kathy (Jeff) Kelm of Colorado, and by thirteen grandchildren: Randii (Leah Buysse) Waddell, Donald (Sarah) Wichern, Toni (Matt) Pauli, Curtis (Elizabeth) Wichern, Ruth (Mark) Brown, Terri Waddell, Laura (Mike) Martinsen, Scott Kelm, Jacki (David) Roche, Sarah (Josh) Shaffer, Di Wichern, Andrew (Alissa) Browning-Couch, and Jacob Couch. She is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Monte, her parents, her brothers: Tim (David), Joe, and John Oesterle, and her sister: Polly (Mary) Hardin.

A mass of christian burial will be held at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert Drive, Sun Prairie at 12:30 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2017 with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding. A visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until time of mass.

There are not enough words to express the family's thanks to the CNAs, Nurses, Dieticians, Cleaning Staff, and Volunteers of Agrace Hospice Center. All went above and beyond to not only care for Ellen, but for her family as well. With that in mind, the family requests that any memorials be made to Agrace Hospice Center.

Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI
608-837-9054