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Ardis Concordia Luedke, 109, of Delano, MN, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2023.
She was born Oct. 3, 1913, to William and Ella (Yager) Luedke on the family farm in Howard Lake, MN.
As a young teenager, she learned embroidery, and created countless beautiful pieces over the years. She also sewed clothing and, in her years beyond the age of 60, enjoyed the challenge of creating piece quilts.
She married Paul Luedke in Howard Lake Nov. 5, 1937.
Ardis and Paul first lived in Minneapolis, MN, where they welcomed Jim and JoAnn into the family. They moved to the Delano area in 1950, and she resided there for the past seven decades.
Paul passed away in 1985. She lived in her house for about 10 more years, then moved to an apartment in town. She spent the last seven years in assisted living, and her final two years in nursing home care.
Over the years, gardening was her favorite hobby, and Ardis had a small garden plot still at 101 years old. She would often grow tomato plants from seeds she found in her meals while she was in assisted living and, of course, gave those seedlings away to friends and family. Fishing was also much enjoyed by her family.
Ardis worked at the dry cleaners, bakery, and drug store in Delano until her retirement. Working with the public gave her the opportunity to know many families in the area.
Ardis enjoyed company, and liked to share the special things she saved to give away to her visitors. We all remember her delicious apple pies.
For many, many years, family and friends enjoyed the Fourth of July parties to watch the parade at her home.
Because of her extremely long life, as a grandmother, aunt, and friend, she has become a link for so many to their own parents, who preceded Ardis in death by so many years. She truly kept us all connected by being able to know everyone, and by remembering her entire life to the very end.
We will remember her as a cheerful hard-worker, staying busy each day, content with what she had, and always seeking family, friends, or nursing home residents to visit with and show her care and generosity.
She was truly our “connector.” She made everyone who visited her feel special with her love and positive attitude. We are all blessed by her enduring love and long, long life.
Ardis was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; son, Jim, and his wife, Elaine; son-in-law, Paul Wolff; an infant granddaughter Wolff; and brothers, Elmer (Kay) Kutz and Harvey (Margaret) Kutz.
She is survived by her daughter, JoAnn Wolff; grandchildren, Greg (Sara) Luedke, Kari (Jeff) Hamele, Jonathan (Jackie) Wolff, Mary Jo Wolff, and Angela (Cody) DeCook; great-grandchildren, Tommy Luedke, Shae Luedke, Janey Luedke, Evan Hamele, Lotte Hamele, Ella Wolff, Ava Wolff, Joseph Wolff, Isabelle Wolff, and James DeCook; cousin, Dolores Tyson; as well as many other extended family members and friends.
A funeral service will take place at 12 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2023, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Delano. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the church prior to services. Interment will take place at East Mt. Olive Cemetery.
Memorials are preferred to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, or a donation to any charity in Ardis’ name.
Arrangements are by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.
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