Ardell Maxine Ree Lerstad was born October 23, 1916, at the Ree Farm in Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. Her parents were Torjus and Cora (Brusven) Ree. She was baptized November 30, 1916, into the Christian faith at St. Lucas Church, rural Cottonwood, Minnesota. After graduating from Clarkfield High School, she was employed at Skogomo's in Cottonwood and then at North Star Mutual Insurance Company for 34 years. On June 29, 1948, Ardell and Nalum Lerstad were married at the Christ Lutheran Parsonage in Cottonwood. Together they farmed west of Cottonwood. Nalum passed away on June 5, 1971. Ardell moved into Cottonwood in 1975 where she resided until her recent illness. She entered Granite Falls Hospital June 9, 1992, and passed away on June 22, 1992. Ardell enjoyed painting, playing piano and violin. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and the WELCA. Ardell was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and one brother, Harold Ree who died in WWII. Blessed be her memory. Funeral Service: Thursday, June 25, 1992, 1:00 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, Cottonwood, Minnesota Officiant: Dr. A.W. Holmes Organist: Sue Hanson Soloist: Erick Anderson "My God and I", "Behold a Host" Casket Bearers: Dean Wendschuh, Larry Caron, Thomas Huso, Cliff Hanson, Dennis Vien, Kirk Lovsness Casket Bearers: Dean Wendschuh, Larry Caron, Thomas Huso, Cliff Hanson, Dennis Vien, Kirk Lovsness Final Resting Place: Christ Lutheran Cemetery, Cottonwood, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota