Ardella M. Vanden Avond

1929 - 2016

Vanden Avond, Ardella M.

Ardella M. Vanden Avond, 87, Green Bay resident, died Monday, February 29, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was born on Januray 27, 1929 in Green Bay to the late Steve and Irene (Pleester) Heim. When Ardella was two months old, her mother Irene passed away. She was then raised by her aunt and uncle, Mathilda and Alvin Pleester, who became her adoptive parents later in life. On September 6, 1948, she married Donald Vanden Avond at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Green Bay; he preceded her in death on March 17, 2005. Ardella enjoyed golfing at Hilly Haven Golf Course and bowling at Willow Creek Lanes. She also loved quilting and belonged to the Evergreen Quilters Guild for many years. Ardella was a member of the Bellevue VFW Women's Auxillary and the Brown County Homemakers Association. She was also a member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church and the Altar Society. Ardella found the greatest joy spending time with her family and making her special brown rice recipe.

She is survived by her children, Jean (David) Tilkens, Green Bay; Susan Vanden Avond, Green Bay; Dennis (Patricia) Vanden Avond, Green Bay; nine grandchildren, Chris (Patti) Tilkens, Laurie (Ken) Kobriger, Jeffrey Tilkens, Andrew Tilkens, Matthew (Becky) Vanden Avond, Michael (Stephanie) Vanden Avond, Brandon Popp, Justin Popp, Amy (Charley) Mann, eight great grandchildren, Nicholas, Sheila, Calleigh, Joseph, William, Thomas, Madalyn, Emmersyn; former son-in-law, Daniel Popp; step-siblings, Joanne (Gary) Hoffman, Kathryn Freda, Steven (Sally) Heim, Mary (Bob) Leiterman, cousin, Marian Jauquet; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one infant son, Donald; sister, Arleen Compton; step brothers, Norbert Heim and Russell Heim.

Friends may call at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., on Friday, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Parish wake service 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 312 Victoria St., from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church with Rev. Jerome Taddy officiating. Entombment in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund is being established.

Ardella's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and nurses of Rebekah Haven, Odd Fellow Nursing Home, Unity Hospice and Dr. Kendra Marsh for their care and compassion.

Also a heartfelt thank you to Sr. Helen Keyzer for her prayer and comfort she gave.