Teresa Amell Harding, of Savage, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 15, 2016 at the age of 96. Visitation is Sunday, April 17, 2016 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at St. John’s Catholic Church in Savage. Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, April 18, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. John’s Catholic Church in Savage. Teresa’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers, and Teresa will be laid to rest at St. John’s Cemetery in Savage.
On August 17, 1919, Charles and Regina (Pahl) Friendshuh celebrated the birth of their twin daughters Teresa and Margaret. Teresa loved growing up on the family farm. She made many wonderful memories with her family and friends. She also developed a great work ethic and strong determination that carried her through life.
As a young woman, Teresa met Elmer “Bud” Amell. The two hit it off immediately, and their love quickly blossomed. Bud and Teresa exchanged wedding vows on April 16, 1941 and were blessed with eight wonderful children. When the kids were young, Teresa stayed home with them and was a wonderful homemaker and caregiver.
Bud and Teresa settled on vegetable farm that they ran together. It was a family affair with all of the kids helping out too. Their next big adventure was owning The Meadow Inn . They loved running the bar and picnic area and hosting all kinds of sporting events. Teresa made many wonderful friends at The Meadow Inn .
In 1965, tragedy struck the Amell family when Bud passed away suddenly. This was a very difficult time for Teresa, but she persevered and provided a good life for her children. After a few years, Teresa met another wonderful man, Bill Harding. They were married and Bill and Teresa continued to run The Meadow Inn for a few more years before pursuing other opportunities. Throughout the years Teresa also worked for Nelson’s Restaurant, Eddie Webster’s and Publix Bakery.
In retirement, Teresa and Bill headed south for warmer weather. They eventually bought a home and moved to Bonita Springs, Florida. They made many great friends and loved having family come down for visits. They spent many great years there until Bill passed away in 1991. Teresa then moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family. She lived in Savage for a few years and then Shakopee. She spent the last nine years at St. Gertrude’s where she enjoyed the caring staff and residents.
In her spare time, Teresa loved playing BINGO, dice and 500, but poker was her favorite game. She especially liked Seven Card, No-Peek Poker. She taught all of her children and grandkids how to play and they enjoyed a spirited game at every family function. Teresa also enjoyed going to the casino and taking day trips through St. Gert’s. She loved gardening and admiring beautiful flowers. Teresa had many interests, but the most important thing in her life was her family. She cherished the weekly visits and phone calls from her loved ones.
Teresa was a strong, German woman with a feisty spirit. She was as straight-shooter, but treated everyone with kindness. Teresa will be remembered as a caring mother and loving grandma and great grandma.
Teresa is survived by her children, Phyllis Holz, Dottie Krause, Jack (Lori) Amell, Sue (Tom) Buckingham; daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Amell; grandchildren, Don (Rebecca) Holz, Shawn (Maureen) Holz, Monica (Robert) Oder, Kevin Amell, Scott (Kelli) Amell, Jodi (Nick) Heuer, Karen (Kris) Hubbard, Doug Krause, Wayne (Amber) Krause, Tracy (Mike) Buckingham-Hayes, Tonya (Casey) Miller: 17 Great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
There to greet Teresa in Heaven were her husbands, Elmer “Bud” Amell and William Harding; sons, Kenny Amell, Rich Amell, Jerry Amell; daughter, Carol (Steve) Sams; son-in-laws, Duane Holz, Neil Krause; parents; siblings, Tony Friendshuh, Margaret Knapp, Nick Friendshuh and Leo Friendshuh.
