Ardene M. Gripentrog, 93, passed away peacefully with the support of her family, on May 9, 2021. She was a lifelong resident of Marshfield born August 2, 1927, to Leona (Allain) and George Welk, a graduate of Marshfield Senior High School. Ardene and Ted Gripentrog were married on September 15, 1951, at St. John’s Catholic Church, celebrating their 69th anniversary in 2020. Ardene and Ted shared ownership and operation of West Marshfield Cheese Factory. She also enjoyed her 20-year career in a variety of aide positions at Marshfield Senior High School retiring at age 70.
She is survived by husband Ted, daughter Cheri (Bob) Rose and son Alan; brother William (Ann) Welk; sisters-in-law Caroline (Kelly) Hagen, Judy (Dee) Fleming, and Jo Gripentrog; as well as nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Wylie Rose, sisters Geraldine (twin) Federwitz and Shirley Zettler, brothers Donald, Robert and Charles Welk; sisters-in-law Greta Meyers, Susan, Gertrude Gripentrog and Babs Hintz; Nadine and Marion Welk; brothers-in-law, Herbert, Neale, Raymond and Earle Gripentrog, Wilbur Federwitz and Norbert (Zeke) Zettler; niece Gloria Federwitz; nephews Christopher and Shaun Welk and Rocky Federwitz; and in-laws Leone and Herbert Gripentrog.
As a 10-year-old little girl, Ardene was away from her family for a year after contracting tuberculosis. During that year she was the only child at the health facility and her family was unable to visit her.
She was a huge fan of the Badgers, Packers, Notre Dame, and Brewers traveling to out-of-state Brewer games over the years. Bowling and casino trips were favorite activities. Family time meant sheepshead, dominoes, and puzzles and her camera captured lots of Kodak moments. “Me time” meant watching The Young and the Restless and getting her hair done.
Ardene was an excellent seamstress oftentimes making her own patterns and enjoyed making Halloween costumes for her bowling team. Her special lamb cake for Easter and First Communion celebrations and her pimento cheese chip dip and cornflake wreath cookies at Christmas were family favorites.
Her love of giraffes grew into quite the collection over the years with the help of family and friends.
Until her shoulder gave out, she made countless afghans for donation to Hope Lodge. She also made Baptism outfits in her beautiful popcorn stitch for family and friends.
Ardene’s energy and determination and smiling face while dealing with her mobility issues in the later years was incredible.
The family extends a heartfelt sincere thank you to Aster Assisted Living staff and Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 14, 2021, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Marshfield, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 am until service time. The service will be live-streamed at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate. Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Marshfield. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Memorials in Ardene’s honor may be made to Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 1414 W. 5TH Street, Marshfield, WI 54449.
Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com
Author: News Desk
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