Ardyce Marie (Carlson) Knauber of Frederic, WI, passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at the age of 92.
Ardyce was born in Clam Falls, WI, on September 30, 1928 to Molly and Charlie Carlson. After graduating from the Frederic high school in 1946, Ardyce began working at the Frederic Hospital, where she worked her way up to administrator. It was while working at the hospital that Ardyce met the love of her life, Dale Knauber, when he was a patient there. Tall, dark, and handsome, he swept her off her feet. The two of them were married on June 6, 1952, at the little brown church in Iowa. They bought a dairy farm where they raised their only child, Kevin. Dale passed away in 1982, but she never remarried, saying she had already had “the best.” Kevin then took over the farm and it brought Ardyce great joy to watch him raise his family there.
Ardyce ended her career as an administrator at the nursing home in Centuria, and after sold Lutheran Brotherhood insurance for a period of time. Retirement didn’t mean slowing down for Ardyce. She served on the board of the ADRC, CRA, and lake association. She also spent countless hours volunteering for a variety of groups and was named the Frederic “Volunteer of the Year” in 1999. When she wasn’t volunteering, Ardyce was known to be wearing her “red hat” or could be seen spending time with friends at the senior citizens center, local casinos, or on bus trips. She retired to her family’s house on Spirit Lake, where she loved to get family and friends together with a picnic.
Of the many roles Ardyce played in her lifetime, “grandma” was her favorite. She considered herself a grandma to many others than just her own grandchildren. Ardyce was thrilled when she was promoted to the title of great grandma.
Ardyce is preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, niece, and great niece. She is survived by her son Kevin and his wife Donna, as well as Buckwheat (Alan Hanson), who Ardyce considered a son. Her grandchildren Tony (Trisha), Ben, and Sarah Knauber, as well great grandsons Baelor, Rylen, Thayer, and Landry Knauber further survive her. Ardyce also has six nephews and their families, as well as countless close friends who she considered family, who will remember and miss her.
The family would like to thank the staff at Traditions of Living for the kindness shown to Ardyce over the last seven years. Per Ardyce’s wishes, no formal services will be held at this time. Have an old Milwaukee or a screwdriver in her honor.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at
www.rowefh.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home, 715-327-4475 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown.
