Mary Ann (Amelse) Speckien, 72, of Eau Claire, died on Sunday, December 29, 2013, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on January 1, 1941, in Eau Claire, WI, to Adrian and Marie (Vander Sanden) Amelse. The eleventh of thirteen children, Mary Ann was raised on a farm six miles N.E. of Fall Creek, WI, in the Township of Ludington. She attended grade school in a one room schoolhouse two miles from the family farm. She attended McDonnell High School in Chippewa Falls, WI, and graduated in 1958. After high school she was employed at Mason Shoe Company in Chippewa Falls for six years, after which she was employed at Northern States Power Co/ Xcel Energy, where she retired after 32 years of service. After retirement she worked part time at various retail stores in Eau Claire. Mary Ann became very active at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center with exercise programs, volunteering and making many new acquaintances and always enjoyed being around a lot of people. She married Peter E. Speckien on September 5, 1970. They raised two children, Shane A. (Pamela) and Jesse J. Speckien. Mary Ann was an active member of Sacred Heart/St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire for most of her life. Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Peter; sons, Shane (Pamela) Speckien of Eau Claire and Jesse Speckien of Eau Claire; siblings, John (Kay) Amelse of Rochester, MN, Richard (Diane) Amelse of Sun Prairie, WI, Lawrence (Virginia) Amelse of Rosemount, MN and Peter (Mary) Amelse of Chicago, IL. She is further survived by sisters-in-law, Jackie Amelse of Dyer, IN, Mary Ann Amelse of Hastings, MN, and Betty Amelse of Chippewa Falls; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Cornelius, Anthony, Rudolph, Gerald, and Edward Amelse; and sisters, Elizabeth Lewis, Dorothy Yeager, and Adrianna "Jane" Amelse. She was a wonderful mother, wife, sister, and sister-in-law who always put others first. Mary Ann was fond of her many nieces and nephews. She loved to be around people and had many dear friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Tana and Crystal, and the staff of St. Joseph's Hospice, particularly Cindy and Diane. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2014, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 416 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire, with Fr. George Thayilkuzhithottu officiating. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the Mass at church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire. Memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Service Information
Visitation
Friday, January 3 2014
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Rosary Service
Friday, January 3 2014
6:30 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Visitation
Saturday, January 4 2014
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
North Dewey Street & Division Street
Eau Claire WI 54701
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, January 4 2014
11:00 AM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
North Dewey Street & Division Street
Eau Claire WI 54701
