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Ardis L. Kottke Obituary – 3/2/2013


Ardis L. Kottke, age 89, of Howard Lake, died Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Howard Lake Good Samaritan Home in Howard Lake. 

She was born July 17, 1923, in Minneapolis, to Fredrick and Clara (Priebe) Krone. At the age of 6, Ardis moved with her family from Minneapolis to the family farm in Hanover. She attended grade school in Hanover, and graduated with the Buffalo High School class of 1942.

Ardis was united in marriage with Melvin C. Kottke June 16, 1942, at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church parsonage in Hanover by Pastor Herder.

Ardis and Mel engaged in dairy farming for many years near Hanover. In 1969, the family moved to a dairy farm near Howard Lake, where Ardis resided until February 2013, when she began a brief stay at the Good Samaritan Home in Howard Lake.

Avid Howard Lake Orphans fans, summers would find Ardis and Mel attending the Minnesota’s State Amateur Baseball Tournament. Ardis also enjoyed being a member of a bowling league for many years.

She enjoyed attending the Howard Lake Senior Citizen’s events and had some very special friends there. Ardis loved dancing to polkas and waltzes, and loved listening to the music, as well. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially when it involved picnics, singing, or nature. Ardis loved watching cardinals at the bird feeder and collecting agates, as well as doing embroidery projects for the family, which she would exhibit at the Wright County Fair. She won many ribbons on her projects, and her apple pie was a blue ribbon winner. Her no bake cookies were also a family favorite. In addition, Ardis loved learning, and reading was a favorite pastime.

Having a very generous and giving heart, Ardis’ capacity to love spilled over all of the lives that she touched. Her self-sacrificing and unconditional love were an example to all who knew her. Ardis most appreciated the simple things in life, and her greatest love was for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Ardis was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Melvin; an infant son; her parents, Fredrick and Clara Krone; brothers Vernon and Orville; and sisters Bernice Krone, Lorraine Thelen, and Ardella Hagquist.

Left to cherish her memory are 11 children; Joan Kottke of Howard Lake, Beverly (Murray) Reimer of Souris, Manitoba, Canada; Meryl Kottke-Barthel of St. Michael, Clair (Kenneth) Miatech of Plymouth, Kathleen Kottke of Howard Lake, Shirley (John) Erickson of Cokato, Marlin Kottke, Marson Kottke, and Lorrie (Wayne) Kozitka, all of Howard Lake, Nancy (Lanny) Anderson of Randall, and Sally Kottke of Howard Lake.

She is further survived by 21 grandchildren; Chad (Amanda) Johnston, Newell (Shannon) Johnston, Matthew (Sara) Barthel, Joey Miatech, Virginia Jechorek, Nathan Miatech, Clifford Miatech, Joshua (Amber) Erickson, Jeremiah Erickson, Jenna (Dan) Gohman, Kristin (Ben) Sanderson, Brandon Kottke, Joy (Matt) Decker, Kelly (Scott) Salmela, Amy Kozitka, Bethany Kozitka, Rebecca (Travis) Hoover, and Elizabeth (Aaron) Borlaug; nine great-grandchildren; Marlin and Brianna Johnston, Bauer and Eli Erickson, Austin and Brooklyn Decker, Sophie and Rowan Salmela, Sean Gohman and Wyatt Barthel; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service took place Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover, followed by interment in the church cemetery.

Visitation was Friday, March 8 from 4 to 8 p.m.; and continued Saturday one hour prior to the service, all at the church. 

Arrangements were by the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

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