Ardith “Ardie” E. Stecky

Ardith “Ardie” E. Stecky, 93, of Kenosha, WI, died on July 10^th, 2018 at Aurora Hospital in Kenosha, WI, with her family by her side.

Born on December 26, 1924, in Alden, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late David and Elsie (Foss) Nelson.

She attended local schools and received her certificate from Dell Prairie.

On December 15^th, 1945 she married Walter A. Stecky, at St. John’s Cathedral in Milwaukee, WI.  He preceded her in death on June 28^th, 1975.

She lived many years in Wisconsin Dells, as a home maker and well known for her many talents!  She made the heaviest and warmest afghans of anyone, which family members still enjoy on those cold nights.  She loved her “sweets” and was always requested to make her famous Red Velvet Cake or her special Barbie Doll cake!  After her husband, Walt, who she called “the love of her life”, and always said he was a “good man” passed away, she became a babysitter of “many children”!  Each year, at Christmas time, she enjoyed the wonderful cards she would receive from the children she had babysat, who by now, are married and have their own children.

In 1992, Ardie moved to Kenosha, WI.  The city where her son Walter “Bud” and his family live.  There she moved into an apartment and experienced the “life of the city”, walking to the grocery store, taking a bus to various stores and being able to participate in some activities; sometimes it was only to watch Bingo and bring one of her favorite desserts.  In the summer time, Ardie was always seen with a sun visor that matched her outfit, and always buying anything with a butterfly theme that would “be perfect” in her apartment.

She is survived by three sons.  Walter (Pat) Stecky of Kenosha, WI, William (Ann) Stecky of Wisconsin Dells and Brion (Nancy) Stecky of Wisconsin Dells.  She is also survived by four grandchildren, Bridget (Todd) Clementi of Waukesha, WI, Bradley (Elizabeth) Stecky of Racine, WI, Gretchen (Stephen) Trudeau of River Falls, WI, Angela Stecky of Wisconsin Dells and 6 great grandchildren, Logan Clementi, Paige Clementi, Anastacia Stecky, and Maeble, Marlene and Harriet Trudeau and many nieces and nephews who stayed in touch with her over the years after she moved to Kenosha.

She is also survived by her brother Todd Nelson Sr. and her sister Shirlee Meister.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters Bettye Wheatman, Leah Ming and Myrna Harrison and three brothers, David Nelson, John (Jack) Nelson and Joe Nelson.

A sincere thank you to all the staff at Brookside Care Center of Kenosha, WI for all the care and attention given to Ardie during her stay and Aurora Hospice.