Ardyce Zender

Ardyce Lorraine Gustafson was born May 5, 1928, at home in Butterfield, the daughter of Ned and Sarah (Friesen) Gustafson. Ardyce grew up in Butterfield, attended school and graduated as Valedictorian of her class. On October 10, 1946, she married her high school sweetheart, John Zender. The couple were in love and happily married for the next 67 years. They made their home in Butterfield where they raise their family of 2 girls and 2 boys, Carol, Susan, John and David. Ardyce had many loves in her life; God and Church, John and children, and music. As a young person she played the bass drum in high school, became an accomplished piano player, played church organ and accompanied many singers over the years. She also played the accordion for family and friends. Music filled her life if she wasn't playing music she was listening to music. Ardyce also enjoyed cooking and baking. She was a humble, generous, and gentle lady who always spoke kindly of others. Ardyce is survived by her children; Carol (Steve) Wentzlaff of Butterfield, Susan (Allan) Cassidy of Park Rapids, John (Wanda) Zender of Mankato, David Zender of Mankato, 7 grandchildren; Sarah Bell, Joanna Wentzlaff-Mitchell, Philip Sandbo, Adam Sandbo, Ana Helget, Nathan Zender, John M. Zender, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband John on April 6, 2013, and her parents. First Visitation 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, June 20, 2013 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Second Visitation 9:30 am - 10:30 am Friday, June 21, 2013 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Friday, June 21, 2013 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery- St. James East of town on CR 27 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081