Ardis Krejci

Ardis M. Krejci, age 92 of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at Heather Haus Assisted Living in Blooming Prairie. All of her children and many of her grandchildren were with her in the days before she passed. Ardis Marlene Elinger was born November 6, 1929, in Blooming Prairie, the daughter of Charles and Martha (Karstens) Elinger. She attended Blooming Prairie schools and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1947. Ardis worked for Glen Thorson and then at Blooming Prairie Times. Ardis met Vyrle Krejci when he returned from his Army service in May 1946.

Ardis and Vyrle married on January 6, 1950 and made their home in Blooming Prairie. There they raised five children and built many lifelong friendships. Ardis and Vyrle always put family first. They delighted in watching their family grow and in spending time together at birthday and holiday gatherings.  Both had soft spots in their hearts for animals and especially loved Boston Terriers.

Travel was another highlight in their lives. Ardis and Vyrle explored all around the U.S from Alaska to Hawaii, and visited countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and Italy. Eventually they decided to spend their winters in Arizona. Vyrle passed away on October 17, 1993, but Ardis continued to go to Arizona each year.   Arizona is where she met Leo Rendahl who was from Spring Valley, Minnesota. Ardis and Leo enjoyed each other’s company and were married on June 3, 2000, at the First Lutheran Church Blooming Prairie. Leo and Ardis continued their travels together, including many trips abroad. They were wonderful companions for each other.

Ardis loved music from the time she was a young girl. She sang solos at school events, weddings, and held the first chair in the band playing the trumpet. Later she enjoyed singing in the church choir. In her leisure time she enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge, and she loved playing dominos. Ardis was active at the First Lutheran Church and liked helping with the Lutefisk dinners. She was also an election judge for many years and took Census on two occasions. Ardis enjoyed baking, cooking, canning, gardening, and hosting family gatherings. Ardis was very talented at making Hardanger embroidery and decorated handiwork. Perhaps the most treasured keepsake is one she made for each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren over the years: her well-known felt and sequin handmade and personalized Christmas stockings.

Survivors include her sons, Bruce (Lynn) Krejci of Lakeville, Minnesota, Roger (Joan) Krejci of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Rick (Cheri) Krejci of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; two daughters, Susan (Johnny DeLeon) Krejci of Mesa, Arizona, and Linda (Randy) Klemmensen of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren: Grant (Miyya) Krejci, Jessica (Pete) Mommsen, Angela (Steve) Mischen, Brian (Ashlie) Krejci, Lindsey (Ryan) French, Scott (Jess) Krejci, Aaron (Brooke) Krejci, Nathan (Michelle DuFour) Krell, Andrea (Trent) Woods, Brett (Vonnie) Krell, Ryan (Taylor) Klemmensen, Brad (Miranda) Klemmensen, Rachel (Tyler) Blaedorn; 26 great grandchildren and one due in May of 2022; brother, Loren (Nancy) Elinger of Willmar, Minnesota; nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Martha Elinger; husband, Vyrle Krejci in 1993; husband, Leo in 2017; and two brothers, Wayne and Lester.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Visitation will take place from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Blooming Prairie City Cemetery, Blooming Prairie. Memorials are preferred to the First Lutheran Church, Heather Haus Assisted Living, or recipient of donor’s choice. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie.