Ardys Kathryn Nelson

Ardys Kathryn Jensen Fogdall Swenson Nelson was born on January 14, 1914 in Geneva, MN, the daughter of Martin and Adena (Frederickson) Jensen. She attended grade school in Geneva, graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1931, Winona Teacher’s College in 1936, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in 1938. Ardys taught English in Bayport Junior High School, Bayport, MN; Ellendale High School, Ellendale, MN; and Ellis Junior High School, Austin, MN. Ardys has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Clarks Grove since 1925. She was a member of the Austin Education Association, the Minnesota Education Association, and the REAM (Retired Educator’s Association of Minnesota.
On December 25, 1939 Ardys was united in marriage to Gordon S. Fogdall. They were blessed with three children: Rev. Joan Porter, Stephen Fogdall, and Jon Douglas Fogdall. After 20 years of being a homemaker and rearing the children, Ardys resumed teaching and then retired in 1975. Gordon retired in 1976 from the Austin High School Administration. They enjoyed four years of retirement together before Gordon’s death in 1981. Ardys was married to Dr. Albin Swenson on July 28, 1984. They moved to Thorne Crest Retirement Center in 1987. She was again widowed in 1990.
Ardys was active at Thorne Crest. She played the piano for religious services, chaperoned disabled people at doctor’s visits, was president of the auxiliary, worked in the gift shop, and was president of the Resident Council. On January 11, 2003 Ardys married Rev. Alvin Nelson. Both were active at Thorne Crest. Alvin died in 2012. Ardys enjoyed piano, knitting, crocheting, Hardanger, embroidery, and crafts.
Survivors include her children Rev. Joan (Robert) Porter, Stephen (Bonnie) Fogdall,  Jon (fiancé Dena Dean) Fogdall; grandchildren Byron (Janell) Porter, Brent (Rebecca) Porter, Karin (Timothy Williamson) Porter- Williamson, Kaj (Brenda) Kolding, Kirk (Beth) Fogdall, Todd (Crystal) Fogdall, Joshua (Anna) Fogdall, Justin Fogdall, and Jason Fogdall; great-grandchildren Dane Fogdall, Eliza Fogdall, Owen Fogdall, Gannon Kolding, Delaney Fogdall, Kierney Fogdall, Ethan Porter, Collin Porter, Truman Porter, Kathryn Williamson and Samuel Williamson;  sisters-in-law Margaret Jensen, Fran Swenson, Julie VanHovel, and Marlene Jensen; brothers-in-law Palmer Swenson, and Harlon (Evelyn) Swenson; step-children Jim (Nan) Nelson, Jane Ann Nelson, Susan (Ken) Jump, Rev. Frank (Rosemary) Nelson, Elaine (Tom) Wiggins, Mary Swenson, Karl (Chris) Swenson and many step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Ardys was preceded in death by her husbands Gordon, Albin, and Alvin; her parents; brothers Howard, Homer, Obel (Bud). Owen, and Warren; sisters Gail Jensen and Ruth Skognes and many extended family members.