Udell B. Ames

Udell B. Ames, age 80, of Potosi, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, Lancaster. He was born on January 12, 1937, in Detroit, MI, the son of Bert and Gertrude (Fecht) Ames. He attended Potosi High School. On June 4, 1957, Udell was united in marriage to Delores E. "Toddy" Russell. He was employed at Potosi Brewery and the Dubuque Packing Company. Udell was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson. He was also a member of the Potosi Rescue Squad for over 36 years, serving as Chief, and the Potosi Fire Department for over 27 years, serving as Assistant Chief. In retirement, Udell worked for Lancaster Monuments, served as sexton for St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, Potosi, and the Potosi Water and Sewer Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, softball, euchre, cribbage, morel hunting, and going to the casinos. Udell dearly loved his family and keeping up with their activities.

Survivors include one daughter, Linda (Bill) Kress; three sons: Greg (Ginger) Ames, Todd (Sandy Leibfried) Ames, and Gary (Tammy) Ames; nine grandchildren: Holly (Cody Stuter) Kress, Mitch (Kara Van Ostarand) Kress, Shane (Val) Ames, Cody (Brook) Ames, Haley (Alex Roberts), Tanner, Malorie (Chris Udelhofen), Makila (Adam Taylor), and Abby (Mitch Niehaus) Ames; eight great-grandchildren: Addy (Nate Budde), Sophia, and Logan Kress, Scarlett and Gavin Ames, Gabby Roberts, Keaton and Brantley Udelhofen; one great-great-grandson, Lawson Kress-Budde; two brothers: Donald (Cleone), Roger (Rita) Ames; member of the Russell family; his miniature schnauzer, Buffy; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Udell was preceded in death by his loving wife, Toddy and a brother, Gernert Ames.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson with Father Richard Leffler officiating. Burial will be in Van Buren Cemetery, Potosi. Family and friends may call on Monday, July 24, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Potosi is assisting the family.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to the staff and physicians of Grant Regional Health Center and Orchard Manor Nursing Home, especially his caregiver Karen Eck.