Richard J. Amelse

Sun Prairie – Richard James Amelse, age 88, passed away on Wednesday April 1, 2026, at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. He was born January 1, 1938, in Eau Claire, WI to the late Adrian and Marie (Vandersanden) Amelse. He grew up on a farm near Fall Creek, WI where he attended Pine Grove Grade School. He graduated from Cadott High School and later attended MATC in Madison, WI.

He married Diane Esser, the love of his life, on October 12, 1963, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Boyd, WI. They had 2 children; Adrian and Deborah.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in October 1961 and served until October 1969. In 1969 he joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard in Madison. He served full time in the Civil Service Technician Program as an airline mechanic retiring in 1994 as Quality Assurance Superintendent. He served in the Air National Guard until he retired as a Chief Master Sargeant, the highest enlisted rank in the USAF in October 1997. During his distinguished Air Force career Richard received many medals and commendations including The Meritorious Service Medal, The Air Force Commendation Medal, The Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He joined the American Legion Post 333 in 1969 and served as Post Commander in 1975. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Air National Guard Hall of Fame in 2001. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 9362 and was a part of Badger Honor Flight in 2025.

He was a longtime member of Sacred Hearts Catholic Church. He loved spending time with his family: hunting, boating and fishing. He enjoyed playing cards especially Euchre and Blackjack.

Richard is survived by his 2 children Adrian (Donna) Amelse, Deborah Amelse; grandchildren Andrea Amelse, Danielle (Justin) Albertie; 3 great- grandchildren Malina Dewey, Brantley Albertie and Oakleigh Albertie; brother Peter Amelse; sister-in-law LaVonne Horne. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, relatives, Euchre buddies and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Diane, grandson Brian Amelse, and 11 siblings.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday April 7, 2026, at EPIPHANY OF THE LORD PARISH, SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY CHURCH, 221 Columbus St. Sun Prairie with Fr. Vince Brewer presiding and Monsignor Duane Moellenberndt concelebrating. Burial will be at Sacred Hearts Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the service at the church on Tuesday.

For those not able to attend in person, please register at the following link to view a copy of Richard’s service:

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=9be4ab2d-fc24-4406-a6af-14036e118911

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com