Ardis Helen Fostvedt, born February 11, 1919, died peacefully and went to our Lord on January 19, 2019. She lived a full, loving, and God-centered life, 23 days shy of her 100th birthday.
Ardis was born at home to Henry Oscar and Lena Severson in the town of Maple Grove in Barron County, Wisconsin. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at the New Scandinavia Church, a country church in Maple Grove. Speaking only Norwegian, she began 1st grade in a one-room schoolhouse. In her youth, Ardis walked several miles to attend confirmation classes and church. Ardis and Sidney Karl Fostvedt were married In 1937, and were blessed with 2 children, Jerome Andrew Fostvedt and Judith Ann (Dr. Terry) Gueldner. Ardis and Sidney had a dairy farm throughout the duration of their married life, 3 miles west of Chetek, Wisconsin, which before them was established by Sidney’s parents in 1913. These years were spent working hard and being an integral and respected part of their community. Sidney died in 1988, and in 1993, Ardis moved to Manitowoc to be near her daughter and family. A woman of deep faith, her relationship with God was nourished as a lifelong Lutheran and member of New Scandinavian Lutheran Church (1919-1937), Chetek Lutheran Church (1937-1994), and Immanuel Lutheran Church (1994-2019).
Ardis was devoted to her family and friends. She spent countless hours canning, baking pies, and rolling lefse, having a lot of fun along the way. Ardis was an avid reader, especially enjoying biographies and Norwegian joke books, made her home a welcoming place for many, and highly valued education. Her eyes sparkled when she saw and talked about her grand· and great-grandchildren. As a cherished mother and beloved grandmother, she will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her daughter Judith (Dr. Terry) Gueldner of Manitowoc, and their children, Barbara
(Brian) Paul and their son, Sidney, of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Matthew (Julie) Gueldner and their children, Nicholas and Alexa, of Verona, Wisconsin; Daniel (Brandi) Gueldner and their daughter, Charlie, of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; and Julie (David) Bo Iha and their children, Joshua, Isla, and Luka, of West Bend, Wisconsin. Ardis is also survived by Jerome’s daughter Elizabeth (Daniel) Lauer and her son, Jaden Becsensesco, and Ardis’ goddaughter, Sonja Knutson. Many dear nieces, nephews, and friends also survive.
She is predeceased by her parents H. Oscar and Lena Severson, her husband Sidney and their son Jerome, her brother Orlando (Erica) Severson, and sisters, Clarice Rasmussen and Doris (Earl) Matson. Ardis’ family thanks St. Mary’s Nursing Home and Dr. Mark Herring for their attentive and compassionate care. I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. – John 11:25
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2019 at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, 901 Pine Street, Manitowoc. Officiating will be Rev. Daniel Sims. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Chilek at a later date. Relatives and friends may call at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
