Ardella D. Pethke Obituary

January 19, 1934 – April 30, 2026

Ardella Doris (Flater) Pethke went to her heavenly home on Thursday, April 30, 2026. She was born on January 19th, 1934 in the Township of Little Wolf, Waupaca County, the daughter of the late William Jr. and Alice (Polley) Flater. She attended Green Valley School as well as St. Paul's in Manawa and graduated from Manawa High School (Class of 1952). She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Manawa.

On June 15, 1957 Ardella was united in marriage to Arthur E. Pethke at St. Paul's church in Manawa. Ardella worked at the Implemann's Grocery Store in Symco for one year where she sold eggs. The young couple started farming on a dairy and pig farm in the Township of Union from 1950 until September 1995. Ardella helped her husband on the farm where they were inseparable. The farm was passed down to their son Arthur Jr. and has since been passed down to her grandson, Logan where he continues to carry the family traditions and memories created on the property. Ardella enjoyed being outdoors and caring for her flowers and garden. When she wasn't outside, she enjoyed baking, canning, sewing and making anyone that stopped over feel welcome. She always had some type of dessert prepared to share. Ardella enjoyed listening to polka music, completing crossword puzzles, setting puzzles and playing cards. Her enjoyment was playing and baking sweet treats for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ardella was a Ladies Aid Member at St. Mark's Church in Symco and volunteered at the Manawa Food Pantry. She was also proud to help at the Farm Bureau Food Stand at the Waupaca County Fair for over 30 years where she and Art established lifelong friendships and memories which lasted a lifetime.

She will be truly missed by her children, daughter, Beverly (Bill) Dallman and son, Arthur Jr. (Bobbi Jo) Pethke; grandchildren: Nicholas (Pamela) Dallman, Brady (Cienna) Dallman, Taylor (Ashlee) Pethke, Logan (Tori) Pethke and Matayah Pethke; great grandchildren, Eddie, Haylee, Emily, Bowie, Boone, Norah, Sophie and baby Pethke due in September. Ardella was lovingly known as "Grandma Della".

She is further survived by a sister, Deloris Seefeldt, brother-in-law Marvin Pethke and sister-in-law, Elaine Pethke and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ardella was preceded in death by her husband Arthur, parents, sister, brother, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, half-brothers, father-in-law and mother-in-law.

The funeral service to celebrate Ardella's life will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 3:00 pm at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Symco with Rev. Jeffrey Smiles officiating. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery in Symco. A visitation for Ardella will be held at the church on Thursday from 1:00-2:45 pm with the service at 3:00 pm.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Theda Care Medical Center in Waupaca for their care and compassion! Dahlke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ardella D. Pethke, please visit their flower store.