Ardell Nelson passed quietly on June 10, 2020 in the company of her daughter. Ardell was born in Minnesota in 1930, one of 13 children to her parents Gustav and Martina. After graduating as valedictorian of her high school, she taught in a one-room school house in North Dakota. In 1952, she served as a youth delegate to the Lutheran World Federation and traveled to Hanover, London, and Norway.
On her return she met her future husband, Robert Nelson, also of Minnesota. Rob and Ardell were married in 1954 and ran the grocery store started by Rob’s parents. After their children were born, they moved to Helena in 1964 where Rob worked for the state and Ardell taught kindergarten at St. John’s Lutheran Church. She completed her education degree at Carroll College in 1969 and began a long career in the Helena school system, teaching at Rossiter, C.R.Anderson, and Hawthorne schools. She retired in 1992.
In Helena, Ardell served as an officer in the Sons of Norway where she and Rob taught folk dancing, and was an active member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. She was especially fond of gardening and earned a reputation as one of the best local lefse makers.
She was thrilled in 1992 to celebrate the birth of Maggie, her first grandchild, and Alex, her second, followed four years later. She and Rob also enjoyed traveling, especially trips to see family in Minnesota, and their children’s homes in Virginia and California. When Montana winters felt too severe, they would spend a few months each year in Sedona. They also took trips to connect with relatives in Norway. When not traveling themselves, they were happy to host international guests as part of Friendship Force.
Rob and Ardell celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004. A few years ago, they moved from their home on Helena’s west side to assisted living at Touchmark. Rob passed away in 2018. Ardell is survived by her three children, Ross, Koren, and Eric, two grandchildren, Alex and Margaret (Maggie), and two siblings, Wanda and Lorraine.
Donations in Ardell’s name can be made to God’s Love, 533 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT, 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday June 17, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Motana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday June 17, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemtery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Wilma Tabaracci says
Oh I am saddened to hear this news. Ardell was always a sweet adamant lady.
Lauren Murphy says
I have many fond memories of teaching with Ardell at Rossiter! What a great lady!
HelenB Bunkowske says
I so enjoyed visiting with Ardell and talking about our Norwegian heritage. Great loving lady.
Delores Rosin says
I treasure my friendship with Ardell. She & Rob were always ready & willing to help with events, & fun to work with.
Prayers of comfort & peace for the family.
Carla Teigen says
I have many wonderful memories of Ardell & Rob. They were great friends & great support to my parents. Our Redeemers & Sons of Norway were such special bonds we shared. Her faith led her, God blessed us with her.
Michelle Haley says
I took care of Ardel at Touchmark and I just loved her and her laughter was contagious, and we used to have so much fun at night,She was a light in my life and I Thank her family for sharing her with us !RIP Ardell always remember the gold sweater and red hat and dancing and laughter.Love you always
Hannah Anders says
To family of Ardell from Verna strand and family. Please accept our sympathy on the loss of your mother. We have known your mother through Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Our mother and grandmother really enjoyed phone calls with your mother and spending time with her in church activities and worship. We are praying for you.
Jeff Beck says
To Eric and the Nelson family, I am sorry to hear of the loss of Ardell. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kathi Brown says
Rennie, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Nathaniel Grefsrud says
I remember Ardell and Rob playing scrabble with Mom and Dad. I enjoyed playing scrabble with them, as well. If memory serves me correctly,
Ardell taught me how to make lefsa, her style, in Sedona. I always thought she would have been and was a great teacher.
Donna Turcott says
Dear Rennie, Eric and Ross,
I want you to know that I have many fond memories of your mom and our time as fourth grade teaching partners at C R Anderson. When I think of her in that setting, she is smiling and laughing. She truly chose the right profession and I learned from her wisdom.
The service today was very fitting and the slide show was spectacular!
You have my sincere sympathy.
Donna (Jackson) Turcott
Kathy Schenck says
I have many fond memories of Rob and Ardell through the years at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. She was a particularly wonderful host for Circle.