Ardell E. Olson

Ardell E. Olson, 86, of Cando, ND, formerly of rural Minnewaukan, died Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Towner County Living Center in Cando.  Funeral services will be Thursday, May 3, 2012, 2:00 PM at the Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Budd officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be Thursday at the church from noon until the time of service. Casket bearers will be: Jerry Hoeppner, son-in-law; Daniel Hoeppner, grandson; Greg Urness,  Bryce Urness, Kevin Urness and  Jeff Urness, nephews.

Ardell E. Urness was born in Leeds, ND on March 17, 1926 to Clarence and Frances (Fox) Urness.  The oldest of six children,  Ardell grew up in Leeds and graduated from Leeds High School.  She attended college in Devils Lake and worked as a bookkeeper until her  marriage on April 6, 1947  to Vernon Yri of Minnewaukan. They made their home on the Yri farmstead near Brinsmade.  Vernon and Ardell raised her sister, Jean's, daughters,  Valorie and April Skar and farmed until his death in 1966.  Ardell married Albert Olson from Churchs Ferry on March 1, 1980. The couple spent fifteen years enjoying each other, traveling and visiting family. Ardell loved living on the farm and resided there for fifty years. After Albert’s  death in 1995, she remained on the farm until moving to Cando in 1996.

She was a member of Trinity Free Lutheran Church of Minnewaukan and was active in Ladies Aids, Homemakers and Eastern Star. Ardell served as secretary for Zion Lutheran Church in Churchs Ferry and the Churchs Ferry Public School and was employed at the Crossroads Café in Churchs Ferry.  She loved to entertain  family and friends around her dining room table, hosting many family holidays, parties, and picnics. Everyone loved Ardell's cooking.  She was known throughout the community for her ability to make the best lefse.  

Ardell is survived by her daughters: Valorie (John) Myers of Manassas, VA and April (Jerry) Hoeppner of Wabasha, MN; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren;  four brothers:  Reg (Roselynn) Urness of Grand Forks, Dale (Marilyn) Urness of Leeds,  Clair (Tiffany) Urness of Sacramento, CA, Bill Urness of Leeds; and a number nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents;  husbands; and a sister, Jean Skar, in 1958.
 

 

Condolences:

Valorie and April & families, so sorry to hear of Ardell's passing. She was a sweatheart and a barrel of fun, we had many good times with her and always enjoyed visiting when we had the chance. So many good memories. God bless you all during this sad time and always.   Garry & Darlene Thompson

 

Our prayers are with you Valorie and April and family.  May the Lord's peace be with each of you.  Ardell was a very special lady and seeing the obituary and her picture brought back good memories. Pastor Tim and Evonne Skramstad

 

Just want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time. I loved Ardell. She was the best neighbor to have growing up. Wanda and I spent a lot of time at Ardell's house. She would come over for coffee with my mom and dad or we would go over to have coffee at her house. Although I haven't seen her very much since she moved to Cando, I am so thankful we got to sit and visit with her in Leeds at the school reunion last summer. She went to Minnewaukan with David and I almost 24 years ago to be our witness to get our marriage license! She will truly be missed by our family. Debbie Moen Nybo and family