Albert “Abbie” Ardolf Jr., 90, of Silver Lake, died Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his family.
A Christian Mass celebrating his life was held Tuesday, April 26, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Silver Lake. The Rev. Paul Schumacher was the celebrant. Glenn Mallak was the reader. Gift bearers were Jessica Dressel, Ashley Boyer and Savannah Ardolf.
Casket bearers were Jeffery Mallak, Michael Boyer, Jeff Kranz, Jacob Mallak, Jordan Mallak, Grant Boyer, Nick Kranz and Josh Hallquist. Honorary casket bearers were Sawyer Ardolf and Sydney Ardolf.
Interment was in the Holy Family Cemetery. Military honors at the cemetery were provided by Silver Lake American Legion Post 141.
Abbie Ardolf was born Aug. 19, 1925, in Rich Valley Township, the son of Albert Sr. and Josephine (Posusta) Ardolf.
He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. He received his education up to the eighth grade.
Mr. Ardolf entered the U.S. Army in 1953 and served his country during the Korean War until 1955. He was honorably discharged as a corporal from the Army.
On Aug. 27, 1957, he was united in marriage to Mary Jo Makousky at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Their marriage was blessed with five children.
The couple resided and farmed in Rich Valley Township and shared 58 years of marriage. Mr. Ardolf was a lifelong farmer. He retired in 1993, but continued to help his family and friends farm until moving into town in 2008.
He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Silver Lake. He also belonged to Silver Lake American Legion Post 143 and the Sportsmen’s Club.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed dancing to polka music, going to the casino, camping, fishing, playing cards and visiting with friends and neighbors.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Jo Ardolf; children, Karen (Jeff) Kranz, Julie (Jeffery) Mallak, Ann (Michael) Boyer, Bruce Ardolf and Scott (Shauna) Ardolf; grandchildren, Nick (RaeAnn) Kranz, Jacob (Kristen) Mallak, Jessica Dressel, Jordan Mallak, Ashley Boyer and friend Josh Hallquist, Grant Boyer and friend Carissa Parpart, and Savannah, Sawyer and Sydney Ardolf; great-grandchildren, Peyton Knisley Raiber, Kadence and Brandtly Kranz, Carter Mallak and Jase, and Ezra Dressel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Sr. and Josephine Ardolf; brother and sister-in-law, Francis and Evelyn Ardolf; sisters and brothers-in-law, Magdalen and Marvin Miller, Alice and George Humlichek, Myrtle and Rudolph Urban and Helen and Doc Annis; grandson, Jess Kranz; great-granddaughter, Talon Jade Dressel; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Gladys Zanoth; and brothers-in-law, Michael Zanoth and Denny Worshek.
Arrangements were with the Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake.
