Ardelle J. Petzold

Ardelle June Petzold entered eternal life on Sunday, February 14, 2016. She was born to Henry and Martha Sessler on June 8, 1928, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where she also grew up. Ardelle graduated from North High School and took a number of classes at the UW Extension in Sheboygan. She later married Milton Petzold, who preceded her in death in June of 2002.

Ardelle was employed as an administrative assistant at Agape of Appleton for many years, and also and an administrative assistant at LEAVEN, where she was also a longtime volunteer. Ardelle also worked with many disabled citizens in various capacities in the cities in which she and her family lived. She also gave piano and accordion lessons over the years. She was an accomplished baker, and always loved to try out a new recipe.

Ardelle was a longtime and faithful member of St. John United Church of Christ in Appleton, where she sang in the senior choir and also directed the Children's Choir. She was also president of the Women's Missionary Circle, served on the Stewardship Committee, and was currently secretary of the Women's Missionary Guild. Since its inception, she had also be a member and advocate of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Fox Valley.

She was an active partner in her husband's ministry as he served churches in Baltic, Ohio; Plymouth, Indiana; and Antigo, Monroe, Medford-Dorchester, and Black Creek, Wisconsin. She was also active at the Association and Conference levels of the United Church of Christ, holding various offices at both levels.

She is survived by four sons: Paul (Ellie) Petzold of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Dennis Petzold of Frewsburg, New York; Kent Petzold of Appleton; and Keith Petzold of Appleton; a grandson: Adam (Debby) Petzold of Rochester, New York and their son Gavin; a sister-in-law: Alice Stoll of Plymouth, Wisconsin; and a sister-in-law: Gladys Petzold of Wausau. She is further survived by by her committed companion: Vern DeBruin of Kimberly, and by many nieces and nephews and their families. Ardelle was preceded in death by her parents, a half-sister: Gladys Meyer; a half-brother: Henry Sessler, Jr.; six brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law.

Ardelle wished for her body to be donated to the University of Wisconsin Medical School, so that she could be of help to others, even though she has gone to her eternal reward.

A celebration of Ardelle's life is planned for 3:30 PM on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at ST. JOHN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 1130 W. Marquette Street in Appleton. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Saturday from 2:30 PM until the time of the service. Following the service, grilled hot dogs and brats will be served in Ardelle's honor.