Ardis Leetha Herr

ARDIS LEETHA HERR

Ardis Herr, 86, of Austin, MN, and formerly of rural Brownsdale, died Sunday, June 19, 2011, at Our House Senior Living in Austin, MN.
Ardis Leetha Larson was born January 29, 1925, on a farm between Lyle and Rose Creek, the sixth of eight children born to Ole Theodore and Sophie Henrietta (Nelson) Larson. She was baptized April 12, 1925, by Rev. C.S. Vang, pastor at Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church near Lyle. Ardis attended grades 1-6 at country school #104 Rose Creek. Her family moved to a farm north of Adams when Ardis was about eleven years old. She was confirmed May 14, 1939, by Rev. Alfred Breivik, pastor of Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams. Ardis received a Certificate of Recognition honoring four years of High School Bible Work at the Adams Lutheran Week-Day School on May 31, 1942, by Lucia Iverson and Rev. Breivik. Following graduation from Adams High School on May 28, 1942, Ardis moved to Austin where she worked at the Sweet Shop and at the George A Hormel Company.
On June 8, 1945, Ardis was married to Howard Bud Herr at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin by Rev. A. L. Swenson. They made their home on a farm north of Brownsdale, where Ardis stayed busy caring for their seven children, raising a large garden, and helping her husband. She belonged to the Brownsdale United Methodist Church where she was active in her circle and taught Sunday School. Ardis also enjoyed Mother's Club, the Parent Teacher Association, and 4-H activities.
After Howard entered the rest home January 12, 2001, Ardis moved to Austin that autumn, on November 3rd. She faithfully visited Howard until his death April 27, 2003. Although Ardis missed the farm life, she was absolutely determined to enjoy her new home. Particularly special to her were family gatherings with her children and their families as well as with her siblings and their spouses. Ardis enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, gardening, canning, cooking and baking for her family. In her early eighties she enjoyed a hot air balloon ride and a trip through eight countries in Europe.
Survivors include two sons, James (Renae) of Emmons, and Fred (Sue) of Waltham; five daughters, Patricia (James) Bronner of Winona, Linda (Stanley) Whitney of Mapleton, Randee (Ronald) White of Waseca, Carol (Michael) Hodnefield of Austin, and Cheryl (Steven) Funk of McCook Lake, SD; seventeen grandchildren, three step-grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; nine step-great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren,and one on the way; and one step great-great grandchild. Other survivors include two brothers; Curtis (Daisy) Larson of Austin, and Loris (Dorothy) Larson of Austin, sisters-in-law, Myrtle Larson of Burnsville, and Evelyn Herr of Hayfield, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ardis was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, Otto Larson, Nomer Larson, and Ober Larson; sisters, Shirley Tucker, and Verla Thompson; and brothers-in-law Leonard Tucker, Douglas Thompson, and Herbert Herr.
Funeral services for Ardis will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2011, at the Brownsdale United Methodist Church, 100 Pleasant Street SE Brownsdale, MN with the Rev. Sharon Goetzinger officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, MN.
Family and friends may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at the Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 302 Market Street in Brownsdale, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
The family of Ardis extends a heartfelt and sincere Thank You to the staff at Our House Senior Living and Austin Medical Center for the loving care given to mom during her stay.
Czaplewski Family Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Blessed be her memory.