Ardith Alene (Stolee) Pollmann, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 15 surrounded by her loving family at Mary Greeley Medical Center, in Ames, Iowa.
Ardith was born February 8, 1938 to Marshall and Marie (Lewis) Stolee on their family farm near Garden City, Iowa where she attended the one room country school. Following graduation from Radcliffe High School, she moved to Ames to work for the Iowa Department of Transportation. She met Gene Pollmann, who would become her loving husband of 59 years. The two were married on July 30, 1960 at Stavanger Lutheran Church in Garden City, Iowa. Gene and Ardith raised four children and were proud of their family which now includes seven grandchildren and numerous granddogs.
For 25 years Ardith played the organ at Stevens Memorial Chapel. She loved cooking for her family, singing in the St. Andrew's Lutheran Church choir, shopping with her sister and drinking coffee with friends.
Ardith is survived by her husband, Gene Pollmann of Ames; daughters, Lori (Bryan) of Keokuk and Stacy (Gary) of Des Moines; sons, Mark (Shannon) of Des Moines and Michael (Heidi) of Des Moines; grandchildren Mackenzie (Chase), Spencer, Chelsea, Kelby, Lukas, Olivia and Adeline.
She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, grandson, Dylan and sister Marjorie (Sampson) Maakestad.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11:00 am. On Tuesday, Aug 20 at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 209 Colorado Ave, Ames, IA 50014.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donations to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church or the Arthritis Foundation.
On line condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Stacy and family, so sorry to hear about your mother. She was a great lady and was very kind to all our family. Thinking of you, Lisa Peterson
To all of Ardith's family, I extend my sincere sympathy & condolences to all of you. I went through high school with Ardith, who was one of the sweetest individuals I have ever known. Kindness, smiles, & love for others were always obvious, which is how she always was whenever we saw each other. The health issues she dealt with did not take away her beautiful smile. She is free of pain & discomfort now & resting in peace. Treasure your memories of her. Thinking of you in prayer, I am Jackie Borwick Hornbacher.
Dear Gene and family. My sympathies to Long time great friends and members of St Andrews. I must tell you about singing with Ardith at a wedding in Ames in a snow storm. Singing The Lord's Prayer and about half way through the song the electricity went off. I had a penlight in my pocket. We went to the piano, was able to see the music and finished the Lord's Prayer in the dark with a penlight. Memories will always live with us.
A very difficult time in our lives. Ed Hendrickson
I will always remember this smile! Ardith was a very warm, cheerful, happy, and loving person. Not only do I remember her with this great smile, she was also very quick to laugh. She was a Mom to so many of us in the neighborhood. Because of her, we all developed a deep love of Scandinavian food. I looked forward to the time of year when she and her sister and other family members gathered at her house to make lefsa and kringla. They were very generous is sharing all their treats with us. I also remember she loved to host the other neighbor Mom's for coffee - and boy, how they all laughed and laughed during those get togethers. I am so sorry she is gone! Ardith was truly a very special person.
hello family of Ardath Pollmann. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I first, really got acquainted with her through having coffee and conversation at LaVerna Flemmer's house. I enjoyed her company and, I know, she will be surely missed by her family as well as her many friends. My sympathy to you. Maxine Julius
So sorry Gene, she was a wonderful lady.
So many memories of growing up in Garden City.
Service
Ames, IA 50010
Sign in to add your memory
Let the family know who you are using one of the quick sign-in options below.
Just for verification: we never spam!
Share Photo/Memorial Tributes
Add to Your Calendar
Obit Checkin
Obituary Notifications
Get Updates - tribute notifications
Get Updates - SMS notifications
Help show your support by providing a gift of flowers and spreading the word.
Spread the Word
Help friends and acquaintances of Ardith leave memories by sharing to Facebook
Share on Facebook