Ardis Herr, 86, of Austin, and formerly of rural Brownsdale, died Sunday, June 19, 2011, at Our House Senior Living in Austin.

Ardis Leetha Larson was born Jan. 29, 1925, on a farm between Lyle and Rose Creek, the sixth of eight children born to Ole Theodore and Sophie Henrietta (Nelson) Larson. She was baptized April 12, 1925, by Rev. C.S. Vang of Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church, Lyle. Ardis attended grades 1-6 at country school 104 Rose Creek. Her family moved to a farm north of Adams when Ardis was about 11. She was confirmed May 14, 1939, by Rev. Alfred Breivik, pastor of Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams. Ardis received a certificate of recognition for four years of high school bible work at the Adams Lutheran Weekday School on May 31, 1942, by Lucia Iverson and Rev. Breivik. Following graduation from Adams High School on May 28, 1942, Ardis moved to Austin and worked at the Sweet Shop and George A. Hormel Company.

On June 8, 1945, Ardis was married to Howard Bud Herr at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin by Rev. A. L. Swenson. They made their home on a farm north of Brownsdale, where Ardis stayed busy caring for their seven children, raising a large garden and helping her husband. She belonged to the Brownsdale United Methodist Church and was active in circle and taught Sunday School. Ardis enjoyed Mother’s Club, the Parent Teacher Association and 4-H.

After Howard entered the rest home Jan. 12, 2001, Ardis moved to Austin Nov. 3, 2001. She faithfully visited Howard until his death April 27, 2003. Though Ardis missed the farm life, she was determined to enjoy her new home. Particularly special to her were family gatherings with her children, their families and her siblings and their spouses. Ardis enjoyed reading, puzzles, gardening, canning, cooking and baking for her family. In her early 80s, she enjoyed a hot air balloon ride and a trip through eight countries in Europe.

Survivors include two sons, James (Renae) of Emmons, and Fred (Sue) of Waltham; five daughters, Patricia (James) Bronner of Winona, Linda (Stanley) Whitney of Mapleton, Randee (Ronald) White of Waseca, Carol (Michael) Hodnefield of Austin, and Cheryl (Steven) Funk of McCook Lake, S.D.; 17 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; one step-great-great-grandchild; two brothers; Curtis (Daisy) Larson of Austin and Loris (Dorothy) Larson of Austin; sisters-in-law, Myrtle Larson of Burnsville and Evelyn Herr of Hayfield; many nieces; nephews and cousins.

Ardis was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Otto Larson, Nomer Larson and Ober Larson; sisters, Shirley Tucker and Verla Thompson; brothers-in-law Leonard, Tucker, Douglas Thompson and Herbert Herr.

Funeral services for Ardis will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at Brownsdale United Methodist Church, 100 Pleasant Street SE Brownsdale, MN with Rev. Sharon Goetzinger officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, MN. Family and friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at the Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 302 Market Street in Brownsdale and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

The family of Ardis extends a heartfelt and sincere Thank You to the staff at Our House Senior Living and Austin Medical Center for the loving care given to mom during her stay. Czaplewski Family Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Blessed be her memory.