R. Ardelle Kleinsmith, a proud, independent, headstrong woman wearing many hats: a wife for 60 years of "Klein" who died in August, 2006, Mom, Mom-in-law, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister, "Aunt Dell" to many nieces and nephews. She worked in retail sales at Jostad’s store and Sears, as Town Clerk (Town of Holland), the US Navy, a seamstress, fantastic cook, baker of many birthday, anniversary and wedding cakes; she could stretch the slimmest fixin's to feed any farm crew, carpenter or drop in visitor. She was a member of American Legion, Morris Snuggerud Post and Holmen Auxiliary, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Onalaska.

She joined the Navy on a bet with her older sister that their mother would not sign for her, she won and enlisted in December of 1944. About a month before, she met a young handsome farmer at the Avalon Ballroom in LaCrosse. She was stationed in Nashville, Tennessee and received a letter every day from this handsome farmer that she had only gone on a couple dates with. After eight months of letters she then received a marriage proposal and a diamond ring! It must have been some first dance! Klein and Ardelle were then married November of 1945.

Left to miss her warm smile and open door policy, daughter Nancy (Teo) Sutton; sons: LaVern Jr. "Butch" (Lola) Kleinsmith, and Rich (Glenda) Kleinsmith; Grandchildren Chris (Sheri) Kleinsmith, Kelly Kleinsmith, Troy (Shannon) Kleinsmith, Jenny (Chris) Staige, Jeremy (Shanna) Kleinsmith, Meghan Kleinsmith, Justin (Heidi) Kleinsmith, and Amanda (Tyler) McCoy; Great Grandchildren: Emily, Luke, Liam Kleinsmith, Jayda, Issac, and Jaxen Staige, Jaspen and Vaden Kleinsmith, Harley Jo and Jameson Kleinsmith, Isaiah, Zander, and Addelyn Kleinsmith; Step Grandchildren Hannah Towne, Alex, Mario and Skyler Bell; A sister Helen (Neil) Nelson; Sisters-in-Law Donna Nesler, and Dorothy McDonah; Also many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

She was preceeded in death by her parents Alvin and Esther (Tabbert) Nesler, daughter Karen, four sisters: Lois, Nook, Doris, and Evelyn and two brothers Chuck and Walter "Snitz".

After 91 years she will be put to rest at the Green Mound Cemetery. Visitation and Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1201 Main Street, Onalaska, on Friday, September 11th at 11:30 am and 12:30 pm respectively. After the burial at Green Mound Cemetery lunch will be served back at the church.

Thank you to Onalaska Care Center for your loving tender care. We all know she could be a little feisty but she thoroughly enjoyed the staff, happy hour, and the euchre games. Thank you to Western Wisconsin Cares, Lutheran Hospice, and Fossum Funeral and Cremation Service.

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