Ardell Moen Obituary

Ardell Lorraine Moen, 85, a resident of Fergus Falls, MN, died on May 13, 2025 at Pioneer Cottages in Fergus Falls.

She was born July 6, 1939 in Trondhjem Township, rural Rothsay, MN, the youngest of 10 children born to John H. and Clara (Hovland) Moen. She was baptized and confirmed at Friborg Lutheran Church, rural Rothsay. Ardell attended grade school in District 89 of Rothsay and graduated from West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, MN, in 1957.

After graduation she went to school in Chicago with the intention of working for the airlines, but her studies were cut short when she moved back home to help care for her ill father. She then worked for Prudential in Fargo and later in Minneapolis. She found her niche working in retail, starting with Donaldson's in Minneapolis and LaCrosse, WI. Later, she worked for J.C. Penney in Hillsboro, OR, and Fargo. Herberger's in Moorhead was her last employer before retirement.

Ardell was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. She enjoyed traveling, mostly with family members, and saw many of the beauties and wonders of the United States. She also enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, doing Word Searches, and watching and identifying birds. She knew many of them by their songs. She loved to collect anything with roosters and ladybugs, and almost always had a ladybug pin somewhere on her shirt. She said they were a sign of good luck.

Ardell was a much-loved aunt to her many nieces and nephews, and godmother to several of them. Her appreciation for everything that life gave her was evident whenever you were with her, even as her health declined. She loved any time spent with family and friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a warm, infectious smile for everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Clara Moen, sisters and brothers-in-law: Delia (Lyle) Johnson, Irene (Elmer) Ronningen, Ilene (Lloyd) Lien, Evelyn (Robert) Lamm, Avis (Wilfred "Bud") Zimmerman, Judith (Ken) Toso, Charlotte Moen, James Drechsel, sister-in-law Marie Moen, nieces Lynette Toso, Marcia Toso, nephews Trevor Moen and Craig Zimmerman, and great-nephews Troy Honrud, John Ramirez, Jackson Ronningen, and Patrick Oakes.

Survivors include her siblings Geraldine Drechsel and Donald Moen, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews and their children.

The family wants to thank the staff at Pioneer Cottages for the care she received. Ardell very much appreciated the staff and all the help they gave her.

Graveside Service: 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2025 at North Friborg Cemetery rural Rothsay, MN with a time for lunch and sharing memories following at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay.

Clergy: Reverend Eliza Johnson

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com