Theresa "Terry" Catherine (Ellis) Sachse

Theresa “Terry” Catherine Sachse, 84, passed away peacefully at home serenaded and surrounded by her children on March 19, 2026, almost five years to the day of her beloved husband Bob. Born in Milwaukee March 26, 1941 to Leonard Ellis and Mary Crowley Ellis, Theresa was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Terry graduated from Cathedral High School in 1959 and on December 29,1962 she married the love of her life Robert “Bob” John Sachse. Soon the beautiful couple welcomed their first daughter Laura, followed in quick succession by daughters Bridget, Julie, Anne, Carrie and Matthew, fulfilling their dream of having a big family and finally a boy!

The couple moved from Milwaukee to “the country” in 1973 where Terry’s love for nature, plants and art flowered. With the help of her family she planted, tended and harvested most of her family’s food and on weekends she would sell the fruits of their labor at the local farmers market out of the back of the family van. Eventually she transformed her green thumb into a thriving nursery business which was a source of fulfillment for her. There were chickens, pigs and rabbits to raise, and the entire Sachse clan was enlisted in the work of harvesting and preserving. She taught her children the art of “making” in multiple forms and under her guidance they created and shared their talents with the county 4-H club, schools and throughout the community.

Although Terry never realized her dream of going to art school, she persisted in her passion for painting and over the years created an impressive body of work. Her artwork was inspired by her family and her visits to people and places she loved. She was a member of the Kettle Moraine Arts Guild and participated in juried shows winning numerous awards for her work. Her artistic flair lives on in her children and grandchildren.

Everyone who knew Terry experienced her huge heart. Her love of service led her to work for the St. Vincent de Paul organization where she volunteered for decades and served as president for two consecutive terms. Terry also delivered Meals on Wheels and donated much of the bounty of her garden every year to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry.

Faith also played a significant role in her life and Catholicism was the foundation of her strength, compassion, and hope. She lived her beliefs every day through quiet acts of kindness, prayer, and service to others. Her devotion to God and her trust in God's plan guided her through life’s challenges and joys.

Terry understood that the most beautiful things in life are cultivated. To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow and to paint is to capture the joy of today. Her final masterpiece was a life well-lived surrounded by the family and community she created.

Terry is survived by her children: Laura (Dan Martier), Bridget (Andrew Luthringer), Julie (Paul Davis), Anne (Patrick Abresh), Carrie (George Hofheimer) and Matt (Julie Kaddatz) as well as her grandchildren Josh (Allie), Lucy (Ari), Evan (Mia), Rachel (Ozzie), Jacob, Sage (Rachel), Allie, Huck (Natali), Santosh, Ravi, Luna, Hannah (Sofie), Milo and Inde. She was also fortunate to have three great- grandchildren: Fields, Stella, Elliot and another one on the way in June.

Terry is also survived by her brother Patrick Ellis along with many cousins and extended family that she loved dearly.

Visitation from 10:00am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00am will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, W359 N8512 Brown Street, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066. A light lunch and gathering will follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Catholic Ecology Center (262) 419-8588 https://catholicecologycenter.org/