OREGON - Dee Ace, age 63, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, March 30, 2026, after a courageous battle with stage 4 colon cancer. Born on June 25, 1962, in Stoughton, Wis., to Wendall and Marge Christensen, Dee grew up with a heart full of compassion, a gentle nature, and a calming spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

Her life’s love story began just across the field from her childhood home, where she and Wayne Ace grew up side by side. Dee married the love of her life on November 8th, 1980, and what started as neighbors, blossomed into a remarkable 45-year marriage, rooted in love, partnership, and shared purpose. Together, they built a full and beautiful life on their Oregon family farm, raising five children who remain a testament to their parents’ strength, values, and unwavering support.

Dee embraced farm life with a quiet but steadfast devotion. While she supported and participated in every part of the farm from the beginning, her connection to horses developed later in life. What began as supporting her children grew into something she found peace and joy in. She appreciated the quiet strength and gentle honesty of the horses, and in many ways, they reflected the qualities she carried naturally-steady, patient, and grounding. Her calming presence extended from the barn to every corner of her life, offering comfort to her family, coworkers, and anyone blessed to be near her. Dee enjoyed snowmobiling growing up, and throughout her life she remained active in her community, taking on several leadership roles and volunteering her time to support many local organizations. She was known for her kindness, dependability, and willingness to help whenever she was needed.

A true farm wife, Dee worked tirelessly-early mornings, late nights, cooking meals, organizing schedules, traveling for shows, and ensuring everyone had what they needed. She was the rock and glue of her family, the heart of their home, and the soul behind so many of their successes. Dee always put herself last, ensuring others were cared for first.

Beyond her devotion to her family and farm, Dee built a respected and meaningful career in accounting. She was known for her precision, integrity, and dedication. Dee made a lasting impact everywhere she worked, most recently at Full Compass, where she continued doing the work she loved up until just one week before her passing.

Dee faced her illness with the same courage and grace that defined her entire life. Even in her hardest moments, she continued to worry about others before herself-offering reassurance, love, and her steady presence until the very end. To those who knew her, she was one of the strongest women they ever met.

She especially cherished Christmas, making the holiday magical for her grandchildren with traditions, decorations, and thoughtful touches they will carry with them forever. Her twelve grandchildren-Emma, Lucas, Clayton, Anabelle, Lila Haag, Leslie, Claire Schraufnagel, Isabella, Macey, Chace Ace, Beau, Luke Brugger and one on the way, due in October-were her heart, her pride, and her greatest joy. She supported each of them uniquely, celebrating their interests, offering comfort, and being their constant source of love and steadiness.

Dee is survived by her devoted husband, Wayne Ace; their children, Angie (Lee) Haag, Joann Ace-Schraufnagel, Chester (Holly) Ace, Shelly (Lance) Brugger and Brooke (Tyler Koellen) Ace; her loving mother, Marge Christensen; siblings, Darlene (Paul) Beebe, Dale (Pam) Christensen, Dawn Glover and Dennis (Angie) Christensen; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Wendall Christensen; son-in-law, Daniel Schraufnagel; and many aunts, uncles and grandparents.

A funeral service will be held at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with the Rev. Ellen Stelzle presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Dee’s legacy is one of love, calm strength, dedication, and selflessness. She shaped the lives of her family and community through her actions, her spirit, and the quiet but powerful way she supported everyone around her. Her calming presence, her steady love, and her gentle strength will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr Johanna Poterala of UW Health Oncology, Sarah Zitzelberger, RN of UW Health Laboratory and all staff at Agrace HospiceCare, especially Jamie Schmidt for all their care and support given to Dee.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515

Dee A Ace

June 25, 1962 - March 30, 2026

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