Ardella R. Craanen

Ardella R. Craanen, 83, Maribel, passed away Monday afternoon, September 2, 2013, at a local nursing home while surrounded by her family. Born April 12, 1930, in Dyckesville, she is the daughter of the late William and Josephine (DeBroux) Boulanger. Ardella married Clayton Craanen at St. Louis Church in Dyckesville on May 17, 1950. She worked for many years side by side with Clayton on the family farm. Ardella lived her life as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and devoted friend. She was a very active member of Holy Trinity Church, New Denmark. Ardella enjoyed canning, baking, gardening, slots, traveling, bird watching, playing cards and spending time with her family. She truly loved watching Animal Planet on television.

Ardella is survived by her husband of 63 years, Clayton; seven children and their spouses, Kathleen Webster of New Franken, Roland (Lois) Craanen, Rick (Melinda) Craanen, Wanda Umentum, Brenda (Bob) Havlovitz all of Denmark, Tammy (Randy) Hermans and Bridget VandenBush all of New Franken; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Mavis Boulanger of Dyckesville; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law of the Craanen family; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Christine Vanidestine; one son-in-law, Cletus Webster; one brother, Robert Boulanger; one grandson, Jesse Hansen; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law of the Craanen family; and other loved ones.

Visitation at MALCORE (East) Funeral Home, University Avenue at Baird Street, Friday, September 6, 2013, from 4-8pm. Parish wake service 7:30pm Friday, September 6, 2013, at the funeral home led by Sr. Geraldine Krautkramer, OSF. Visitation will continue Saturday, September 7, 2013, morning at Holy Trinity Church, New Denmark from 9am until the time of the funeral. Funeral Mass 11am Saturday, September 7, 2013, at the church with Rev. Ronald A. Colombo officiating. Burial in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Ardella’s family extends a special thank you to the caring staff of Bornemann Nursing Home for all the unconditional love and care they gave to Mom; Unity Hospice; very special friends John and Margaret Rueckl; Father Ron and Sister Geri for all their support during this difficult time.

Mom, thank you so much for being the loving and caring mother to us, you taught us so much in life. We all love you and miss you so much. We will keep watching for “Bigfoot”.