Ardis Leone Bjornsen 1922-2012

BJORNSEN MELLOR

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/31/2012 at 22:37:39

Sioux City Journal
6 December 2012

Ardis Leone Bjornsen, 90, of Sioux City passed away Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, at Sunrise Retirement Community's Bernstein Unit.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Bethany Lutheran Church in Sioux City. There will be a luncheon following the service Friday at the church. Private graveside service will be in Memorial Gardens. Visitation with family will be one hour prior to the service Friday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.

Ardis was born on March 21, 1922, in Redbird, Neb., the daughter of Leon and Edna Mellor.

On Dec. 30, 1940, she married Carroll Bjornsen in O'Neill, Neb. She and Carroll lived and worked in surrounding areas for a number of years before moving to Sioux City. Ardis worked for J.C. Penney for many years. After her husband's passing, she worked for Ardans as their jewelry manager.

She loved gardening, and later in life became an avid walker. Ardis also enjoyed bowling and golfing with her husband, Carroll. She was a charter member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School and Bible School and joyfully volunteered her time to be of service. Ardis was a member of LWML and an active member of Lutheran Lamplighters for many years.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Gary (Judy) Bjornsen of Hiawatha, Iowa, Lorren (Carol) Bjornsen of Sioux City, Sharon Bjornsen of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Sheila (Robert) Kounkel of Le Mars, Iowa; 11 grandchildren, Terri (Al Gruell) Bjornsen of Spring, Texas, Scott (Jennifer) Bjornsen of Marion, Iowa, Steve Bjornsen of Hiawatha, Scott Petersen of Lake Goodwin, Wash., Stefani Bjornsen of Seattle, Wash., Vicki (Mike) Bertrand of Sioux City, Mike (Tina) Kuehl of Queen Creek, Ariz., Holly (Evan Klein) Bjornsen of Sioux City, Jayson (Cathy Kautzman) Thompsen of Denver, Colo., Amy (Lee) Reoh of Omaha, and Brad Kounkel of Denver; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Ardis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carroll; and one sister, Delores Sedivy.

Memorials will be directed to Siouxland Alzheimer's Association or Bethany Lutheran Church.