1930 – Ardell Claire Amundson – 2017
Ardell Claire Amundson was born on January 10, 1930 in Slayton, Minnesota to Emil and Minnie (Busswitz) Amundson. He grew up south of Dovray, Minnesota and attended District #25 through the fourth grade, then attended school in Westbrook, Minnesota graduating in 1948. Following graduation, Ardell attended Mankato Vocational School for Electronics. Upon completion, he came home prepared for the draft but was never called up to service. He then worked in carpentry and farmed with neighbors until going on his own in 1956. Ardell farmed his land well into his 70’s, then he rented his land. At the age of 86, Ardell decided to “slow down” and sell some of the cattle and focus on his John Deere 2 cylinder collection. In 2016 he began spending time at Maple Lawn Estates in Fulda, Minnesota while continuing to spend his days at the farm. Ardell was a “good neighbor” and was a special man for many young people that baled hay with him and listened to his stories. He was a great mechanic and an amazing encyclopedia of John Deere history. Ardell was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Dovray, Minnesota where he served as usher for an amazing 75 years! He was a member of the Westbrook Kiwanis Club. Ardell enjoyed spending time with family, neighbors, the farm and his dog Susan. He was the go to guy if you needed information on all things “green and yellow”. Ardell passed away Monday, October 9, 2017 at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Fulda, MN at the age 87.
Ardell is survived by his nephew Gary (Pat) Amundson, Pequot Lakes, MN; nieces: Karen (Mark) Gust, East Grand Forks and Marie (Jason) Erickson,Westbrook, MN; and many other wonderful relatives and friends in the area. He will be lovingly remembered by his “good neighbors” Skip and Jeri, Butch, Jimmy, Loy and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Minnie; brother and sister-in-law Harley (Mavis) Amundson and sister Eunice Amundson.
Memorial Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Dovray, MN. Interment at Our Saviors Lutheran Cemetery in Dovray, MN. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
