Ardella Yvonne Gaedtke, age 89, entered eternal life on July 28, 2025, at Harbor View Assisted Living in Manitowoc.
Ardella was born January 26, 1936, on the family farm in the town of Liberty, Manitowoc County, daughter of the late Reinhardt and Elda (Behnke) Fischer. She was baptized on October 31, 1937, and confessed her faith in Jesus at her confirmation on March 18, 1951, at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church.
After attending her first eight years at Shadyside School, Ardella went to Washington Jr. High School for one year and then graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1954.
She worked at Hotel Manitowoc after graduation, until she married Jerome Gaedtke, her high school sweetheart, on October 13, 1956, at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church. Jerome preceded her in death on January 16, 2014.
She was a full-time mother and homemaker when her children were small. She loved canning and baking for her family, and her family loved her delicious homemade bread. She later worked at Mirro Aluminum until her retirement.
Ardella taught the kindergarten Sunday School class at Bethany for several years and was also a member of Bethany Ladies’ Aid. Ardella and Jerome enjoyed traveling, playing cards, gardening, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Basketball, baseball, and volleyball games were also on the docket as her children, grandchildren, great-grandson, nephews, and nieces were involved in these sports.
Survivors include three children: Cynthia (David) Williamson, Manitowoc; Brian (Janette) Gaedtke, Newton; Janine (Derek) Fitzgerald, Manitowoc; seven grandchildren: Rebecca (Bradley) Schultz; Jessica (Chad) Hemenway; Ashley (Justin) Brefczynski; Alicia (Louis) Raymond; Cameron (Marissa) Fitzgerald; Miranda (Joshua) Sasse; Jasmine (Andrew) Schwerma; 16 great-grandchildren: Ezra and Olivia Schultz; William, Colton, and Alexander Hemenway; Brenton Gaedtke and Annahlise Brefczynski; Jaxten and Jace Raymond; McKenna and Macie Fitzgerald; Hunter and Henry Sasse; Brynley, Poppy, and Adley Schwerma; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Kermit Hackmann; Shirley Gaedtke; Shirley A. Gaedtke; Herman Gaedtke; Rahlan (Mary) Gaedtke; Maxine Gates; and Reginald (Phyllis) Gaedtke. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to her parents, Ardella was preceded in death by her husband Jerome, one granddaughter: Cassandra Williamson; four brothers and three sisters-in-law: Paul, Leroy (Arline) Fischer, Wallace (Evelyn) Fischer, Eugene (Bernice) Fischer; one sister: Dorraine Hackmann; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Geraldine (Harold) Behnke, Roman Gaedtke, Reiny Gaedtke Jr., Harlan (Caroline) Gaedtke; Carol Gaedtke, Glenn Gates; and three nephews: her godson Keith Fischer, Llewellyn Fischer, and Darrell Behnke.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manitowoc. Rev. Stephen Melso and Rev. Caleb Davisson will officiate with burial to follow at Knollwood Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Thursday from 4:00-6:30 p.m. and again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family extends a special thank you to the pastors of Bethany Lutheran Church for their regular visits to share God’s Word with Mom, as well as the caregivers of Sharon Richardson Hospice and the entire staff at Harbor View Assisted Living for their compassionate care. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
