Ardelle Thronson, age 93, of Gary, MN, died on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile, MN.
Ardelle G. Halland was born on September 12, 1927, to Adolph and Gina (Ramberg) Halland at home in Waukon Township, rural Gary. She attended country school and graduated with the class of 1946 from Gary High School. Following high school, she entered the workforce. Ardelle was united in marriage to Burton Thronson in Ada, MN, on May 13, 1950. Soon after, the couple purchased the family farm near Gary and made their home together there for nearly 40 years where they raised their family. Over the years, they expanded the size of the farm and built up a good dairy herd. Ardelle was a hardworking housewife who helped Burton on the farm with the day-to-day chores in addition to tending to their children. She milked cows, drove tractor, cooked, baked, quilted, sewed, and acted as the main caregiver and referee. Ardelle also worked the potato harvest for many years and later worked for the Gary School as a cook and baker. In 1989, Ardelle and Burton retired from the farm and moved into Gary to make their home. Burton died on October 7, 2006, and Ardelle remained in their home until 2015. She then moved in with her son and daughter-in-law, Dalen and Bindy. In 2018, she moved to the Fair Meadow Nursing Home.
Ardelle was a very caring and generous lady, always making time for each person she came across. She was very organized and is credited for starting the Annual Halland Family Reunion. Ardelle very much enjoyed visiting with friends, family, and her neighbors. In her spare time, she was often found making quilts for her family, canning, baking her specialty Aunt Sally cookies, and making beautiful wedding cakes for others to enjoy on their special day. Ardelle was known for her strong Christian faith. She was a member of Ness Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School and Confirmation classes, and in later years, held membership at Gary Lutheran Church. Grandma Ardelle was a grandma to many kids in the community and always had her door open for everyone to enjoy a fresh cookie. Grandma Ardelle will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Ardelle is survived by her three daughters: Barbara (Gary) Kjono and Lynette Prestegaard, both of Fargo, ND, and Kimberly (Arnie Campbell) Jenson of Gary; four sons: David (Rita) Thronson, Byron (Lori) Thronson, Bradley (Elena) Thronson, and Dalen (Belinda) Thronson, all of Gary; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren with two arriving soon; three great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lester (Darlene) Halland of Bejou, MN and Phillip (Gloria) Halland of Fargo. She is preceded in death by her husband; her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Bud Jenson, an infant daughter; three grandsons: Joshua, Blake, and Michael; four brothers: Lloyd, Stanley, Dennis, and Millard; and two sisters, Doris Jaeger and Bernice McCollum.
Blessed be the memory of Ardelle Thronson.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 26, 2021, at Gary Lutheran Church in Gary. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 4:00 p.m. all at the church. Interment will be held in St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery following the service.
Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate. The service will be recorded and available to view here shortly following the service.
Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking all memorials be made to either the Gary Rescue Squad or Gary Fire Department.
