Ardus Arlene Crandell, age 88, passed away peacefully at her home near Lewis, Wisconsin on Friday, October 19, 2018. Cherished by her family, they were pleased to have spent so much time with her especially this summer and early fall.
Ardus was born in River Falls, Wisconsin on May 12, 1930 to Hazel (Doe) Hall and Walter Hall. Her parents moved to Coomer, Wisconsin where Ardus attended school and the family grew to 11 children. At age 16, Ardus married Roy Crandell of Lewis, Wisconsin in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Frederic, Wisconsin on October 15, 1946 where they also celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Ardus was a life-long baptized and confirmed member of the Lutheran Church. All her children were baptized, attended Sunday school, and were confirmed in the church under her guidance.
The young couple lived near Lewis, then moved to Cut Bank, Montana with 2 young sons. They returned to the Midwest to the Circle Pines, Minnesota area where their family grew with the arrival of a daughter and four more sons. In 1963 they moved back to their place near Lewis, Wisconsin and another daughter arrived to complete the family of eight children.
While busy raising their children, a very large garden and strawberries, Ardus also worked as a meat cutter and factory worker, but her most loved vocation was as a wife, mother and grandmother. The highlight of her later years was sharing in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ardus was always available for a listening ear and special treats. She hand-made and gifted many afghans and mittens to family members. Her strong determination and pride in achievement showed when she received her High School Graduation Equivalency Diploma and maintained her driver’s license well into her 80’s.
Ardus was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roy; siblings, Robert Hall, Alfred Hall, Violet Formanek, Stanley Hall, Darlene Baker, and Ruth Rankin; as well as brothers-in-law, Jim Formanek, Wally Rankin, Jim Baker; and special friend, Wesley Bengston.
Ardus is survived by siblings, Donald Hall, Dorothy Larson, Roland Hall, Harold Hall; and sisters-in-law, Penny Hall, Darlene Hall, Judy Hall and Linda Hall.
Ardus is also survived by her 8 children, Walt Crandell (Maria Mercedes Lopez), Jerry Crandell (Betty), Carmella Crandell (Larry Damman), Bruce Crandell (Nelly Ly), Roger Crandell, Wayne Crandell, Gene Crandell (Mabel) and Connie Buck (Reuben); 20 grandchildren;16 great-grandchildren; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018 with visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon and time for sharing with friends and relatives will be held in the fellowship hall after the service. Burial will follow at the Lewis Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers are Christian Troung, Michael Crandell, Benjamin Damman, Jake Crandell, Brent Crandell, David Crandell, Randy Crandell, Arin Crandell and Derek Buck.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at
www.rowefh.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, 715-327-4475 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown,
www.wicremationcenter.com .
