Ardell Lillian Skaufel

Ardell Lillian Limke Skaufel, 85, peacefully passed away on February 1, 2025, in Eagan, MN. Born on January 21, 1940, in Kenmare, ND, Ardell was the youngest of five children born to Dorathea and Charley Limke. She grew up on a farm outside of Carpio, ND, where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of family. Ardell graduated from Carpio High School in 1958.
After high school, Ardell pursued her calling in nursing and graduated from the Sisters of St. Joseph School of Nursing in Minot, ND in 1962. She soon began working in the recovery room at St. Joseph's Hospital, where she spent over two decades caring for patients with compassion.
In November 1964, Ardell married John William Skaufel, also from Carpio. Together, they raised their children: daughter Jodell, son Patrick, and an infant son who passed shortly after birth. The family lived in Minot until 1986, when they relocated to Burnsville, MN.
Ardell had many interests. She sewed, crafted, gardened, read, and completed hundreds of circle words. She was infamously known for her brownies, and her homemade buns were eagerly anticipated and requested as Christmas gifts. Given opportunities to travel, in her later years she visited Mexico, Branson, MO, and took an extended train trip through the western states. But family remained dear to her heart and many weekends were spent going back to "the farm" to visit family.
Ardell's devotion to her faith led her to become an active member of Mary Mother of the Church in Burnsville, where she touched the lives of many with her kindness. Ardell's passion for life extended beyond her work and faith. Known for her smile, wisdom, and no-nonsense pragmatism, she was always ready to lend a hand. Even after moving into assisted living, Ardell's nursing heart remained strong, and she would offer to help her fellow residents, never losing her caring nature.
Ardell leaves behind a legacy of faith and love, sprinkled with spunk. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends and her spirit will remain alive in their hearts.
Ardell is survived by daughter, Jodell Skaufel and granddaughter, Rachell Shockley, both of Burnsville, brother, LeRoy Limke, Carpio, ND, sisters-in-law Verna Schoenberg and Berniece Skaufel, both of Minot, Catherine Keele Skaufel, Nevada, brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Judy Skaufel, Washington, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons, siblings, Leona Knower, Elizabeth "Betty" Goettle, and Larry Limke, and several in-laws, Charlie Knower, Dale Goettle, Margaret Limke, Ruby Limke, Carol Limke, Rosella and Donald Erickson, Birger Skaufel, Arlene and Freddy Sauer, Vernon Schoenberg, Alice Skaufel Ellis, and Lawrence Skaufel.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 21st at 10:30 am at Mary Mother of the Church, 3333 Cliff Rd. E., Burnsville, MN in the lower chapel with visitation an hour before Mass. She will be interred with her husband at Fort Snelling, St. Paul, MN. For more information, email jmskaufel@yahoo.com