Ardell Merton Schroeder, age 73, of rural Whitehall, died on Friday, July 25, 2014 in the Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire from injuries sustained in a tractor accident.

Ardell was born on February 2, 1941 in Whitehall to Arlow and Merrett (Johnson) Schroeder. He married Jean McWilliams on June 12, 1965 in the Upper Pigeon Creek Lutheran Church in rural Hixton.

Ardell was a farmer at heart and enjoyed the daily routine of farming. He received the Century Farm Award for two different farms and several high quality milk production awards.

Ardell was awarded with a Safe Driver Award for driving school bus for the Whitehall School District. Ardell loved to go dancing. He and Jean attended as many as possible with the Schottische being their favorite dance. He was an active member of his church and currently served as elder and chairman of the cemetery board.

Ardell enjoyed walking, dancing, reading, birdwatching, movies, playing guitar and spending time with his family.

Following his heart bypass surgery 15 years ago, Ardell realized the importance of blood donation. He was a regular and faithful donor and recently received his five gallon donation pin. How many lives he has saved!

Ardell is survived by his wife, Jean; two daughters, Sara (Tony) Warmka of Grand Meadow, MN and Rita (Wade) Lambrigtsen of Menomonie; five grandchildren, Greta, Roman and Naomi Warmka, Aaron and Mia Lambrigtsen; a brother, Richard (Linda) Schroeder of Whitehall; a sister-in-law, Naurine Schroeder of Galesville and a brother-in-law, Merlin (Virginia Krohn) McWilliams of Pigeon Falls; four Godchildren, Jennifer (Schroeder) Spain, Tanya (Schroeder) Malaney, Jessica (Groshek) Olen and Derek Sanders.

In addition to his parents, Ardell was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Schroeder; a sister-in-law, Rebecca Schroeder; his father and mother-in-law, Jim and Julia McWilliams along with aunts, uncles and a cousin.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in Saint Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church with burial in the church cemetery both in rural Whitehall. Pastor Dennis Voss will officiate.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 29, 2014 from 4-8 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.