Ardis Ostendorf

Ardis Ostendorf, 74, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Avera Granite Falls Hospital. Memorial service will be held on Monday, March 24th at 1:00 pm at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4:00 pm at Bethany Reformed Church and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Ardis Ann Ostendorf was born February 19, 1951, the daughter of Oscar & Pearl (Rupp) Nyquist on the family farm in Nickerson, Minnesota. She attended school in Kerrick-Bruno, graduating in 1969. Following her graduation, she moved to the Twin Cities and worked as a nanny for two children.

Ardis was united in marriage to Maryln Ostendorf. Ardis worked for 25 years at the Clara City Care Center as a housekeeper and laundry. She was a member of the Auxiliary. Ardis was energetic and active and would help out anyone who asked for help. She farmed and enjoyed gardening. Ardis and her sister Anita became known as the Pumpkin Ladies. Decorating their yard with up to 1000 pumpkins. It started out as a small project just for granddaughters Ashley & Breanna and got even bigger for grandson Colten. Ardis was a canner and butcher and there was not much she didn’t do or try to do. She also enjoyed garage sales and estate sales.

Ardis is survived by her son John (fiancé Heather), grandchildren: Ashley (Austin) Bratsch, Breanna (Tyler) Loe and Colten; siblings: Anita Grossman, Diane Cummins, Leona (Joe) Costello, Jim Torell and Edward Nyquist; several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Helen and brother Jerry.

The family would like to thank the EMT's and the Avera Granite Falls Hospital Emergency Room staff for their response and compassion they showed the family at their time of need.