Elaine Mary Huss

Freedom – Elaine M. Huss, age 86, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on January 26, 2021. She was born on December 14, 1934, daughter of the late Edward “Punkin” and Mary (Geurts) Vandenberg. On September 28, 1954, she married Donald Huss at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Freedom, where she was a lifelong member.

Elaine & Don enjoyed many travels together. Elaine had an adventurous spirit and was always up to trying new adventures including Alaskan white river rafting and helicopter glacier exploring, riding in a hot air balloon, four-wheeling in the Northwoods, and go-cart riding with her beloved grandchildren.

Elaine cherished her family. The Huss home, with Elaine and Don at its center, became the primary family gathering point for their children, grandchildren, and great- and great-great grandchildren. Elaine was a very good cook and spent a lot of time in the kitchen preparing for family get togethers. No one would ever leave a holiday feast hungry or without a take-home package of delicious leftovers. Elaine could be found at all of her grandchildren’s sporting events, traveling around the state to watch them play or coach, and in attendance whether it be rain, shine or even snow. One of Elaine’s favorite things to do was make many wonderful memories with her family and friends up at the cottage on Chain Lake. She loved her time up north. Other true loves of Elaine’s were reading, doing puzzles, tending to her beautiful flowers, and she enjoyed talking and socializing with just about everyone.

Elaine is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Donald Huss; her children: Rick (Connie) Huss, Bill Huss, Terry (Rose) Huss, Mike (Jacci) Huss and Amy (Jay) Duca; grandchildren: Nick (Katie) Huss, Tara (Jeremy) Hanson, Dave (Suzanne) Huss, Jared Huss, Allie Huss, Brandy (special friend, Jim) Testinie, Theresa (Greg) Janssen, Danny (fiancé, Katie) Culver, Dustin (fiancé, Kacie) Huss, Andrew (fiancé, Jessica) Huss, Rebecca Huss, Tristin Duca, Sydney Duca and Eli Duca; 15 great-grandchildren and one on the way; two great-great grandchildren; sister, Anna Mae Huss; brother, Robert “Casey” (Judith) Vandenberg; in-laws: Audrey Huss, Ardena (Art) Retzlaff and Tom (Sue) Huss; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Punkin and Mary Vandenberg; great-granddaughter, Destiny Brittain; mother and father-in-law, Oscar and Mayme Huss; sister-in-law, Linda Lou Huss, brothers-in-law: Emil Huss and Marvin Huss; special aunt, Sister Germaine Vandenberg, SDS.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, private family services will be held. Those wishing to view the service online may do so on the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home Facebook Page on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

The Huss family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of Ascension at Home, Home Instead, and Compassus Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Elaine. The family also wishes to express thanks to Deacon Gary, Deacon Don, Father Walter, and neighbors Jean and Ken Arps and Kelly Hanson; and the Dan and Doreen Williamson family.

Mom & Grandma, we love you and will miss you. Thank you for your love, sense of humor, spunk, and most importantly, showing us the importance of family and faith.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.