Ardis Maxine Sesvold, age 81, of Blair, died on Monday, June 26, 2017 in the Gundersen Tri-County Care Center in Whitehall.

Ardis was born on August 18, 1935 to Ralph and Olga (Bergerson) Bautch. She lived her early years on Oak Ridge, rural Arcadia. Ardis first worked at Outer's Laboratory in Onalaska and then married Francis Sesvold in Blair on May 26, 1956. They farmed in rural Blair for many years.

Ardis was an excellent cook and baker known for her apple pies, cakes, brownies and cookies. She loved flower gardening, coffee with friends at the Rainbow and attending her grandchildren's activities. Ardis was known as an animal lover. Her 'Milking Queen' award at the Blair Cheese Festival proved she had a strong work ethic and connection with her farm animals.

Ardis had been known to over feed and over pay lawn mowing and farm helpers, and we're pretty sure it was to get them to come back! She had a warm heart and enjoyed people of all ages.

Ardis was a resident of the Gundersen Tri-County Care Center in Whitehall the past three years. Ardis and her family are blessed to have met so many outstanding healthcare staff who so graciously welcomed her and made her stay enjoyable and comfortable. The activities staff kept her calendar full which allowed Mom to embrace all the things she thoroughly enjoyed! She made many friendships, and that was very evident to her final hours.

Ardis is survived by husband Francis; two daughters, Barbara Larsen (Michael Anderson) of Holmen and Dawn (Jeffrey) Davis of Holmen; four grandchildren , Bethany (Jeffrey) Veglahn of Milwaukee, Katelyn (Dan) Bocklund of Minneapolis, MN, Benjamin Davis and Kayli Davis both of Madison. In addition she is survived by her sisters, Dolores Hanson of Onalaska, Kay Smikrud of Osseo, Marian Hull of Colorado and Beverly Schultz of Montana.

In addition to her parents, Ardis was preceded in death by in-laws, two brothers, Raymond Berzinski and Donald Bautch; six sisters, Edna Allen, Agnes Koelbl, Marva Becker, Blanche Morkwed, Aileen Amundson and Charlene Rossin; a son-in-law, Terry Larsen and a brother-in-law, Raymond Sesvold.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. in the North Beaver Creek First Lutheran Church (W10767 County Road C, Ettrick, WI) with burial in the church cemetery both in rural Ettrick with Pastor David Hendrickson officiating.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

All memorials will be donated to causes close to Mom's heart.

The Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.