Obituary of Ardell L. Klostermann

Ardell L. Klostermann, 94 of Springfield, MO, formerly of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Elfindale Manor in Springfield.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2017, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, with Fr. Dennis Conway officiating.  Burial will be in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Petersburg, IA.

Ardell was born October 4, 1923, the daughter of William and Minnie (Willenborg) Bockenstedt.  She married Harold C. Klostermann on November 26, 1946 in Greeley, IA.  Ardell and Harold farmed in Manchester, IA until the death of Harold in 1960.  At that time she moved to Dyersville, IA to raise their five children.  There she worked as a cook for the St. Francis Xavier School lunch program. 

In 1975 she moved to Avon Park, FL where it was warm and close to family.  There she was a long time member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.  She spent many years babysitting for friends and family until she was 83 years old.  She loved spending time in the kitchen baking cookies (Snickerdoodles), Angel Food cakes and on special occasion’s mints that everyone loved.  There were always plenty of goodies at Grandma’s.

Spending time surrounded by family was one of her greatest joys, whether you were playing cards, Rummikub, doing puzzles, sharing the Sunday morning breakfast ritual, sitting outside visiting, it was always about family.  She was quick witted, kind and a very loving mother.  She will be dearly missed.

She had recently moved to Springfield, MO and lived at Morningside Assisted Living.  She was loved by all.

Survivors include her children William (Judy) Klostermann of Avon Park, FL, Phyllis (Craig) Watson of Overland Park, KS, Carol (Ray) McKowen of Springfield, MO, Rick (Mary) Klostermann of Delhi, IA and son-in-law Jerry Heiring of Avon Park, FL.  18 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter; one brother, Calvin (Ivanelle) Bockenstedt of New Vienna and two sisters Agnes Putz of Dyersville,

Helen (Joe) Nurre of Manchester and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ardell was preceded in death by her husband Harold C. Klostermann, a daughter Teresa Heiring; her parents, four brothers William (Bud), Vernon, Fred and Harold Bockenstedt, one sister Anna Mae Koelker, and her father and mother-in-law Frank and Theresa Klostermann.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Morningside East Assisted Living and Elfindale Manor where she spent her final days.  We will be forever grateful for your loving care, kindness, and compassion for Mom.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, 1430 Prudential Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32207.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.