Ardell Theodore Grothe

Ardell T. Grothe, 80 of Fargo, died Friday, November 15, 2013 at Bethany on University, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Ardell Theodore Grothe was born February 26, 1933 in Fort Ransom, ND, son of Theodore and Annie Grothe. He attended public school in Fort Ransom, graduated in 1951. He started farming immediately after graduation. During his working life Ardell was a Star Route Contractor for the U.S. Postal Service. With his brother, Kenneth, he operated the school bus system in Fort Ransom. He worked as a maintenance supervisor for the Fort Ransom State Park.

On December 19, 1981 Ardell married Terry Ranger in Fargo, North Dakota. In 1988 Ardell and Terry traveled to Santiago, Chile where they adopted a six month old boy, Vernon Christian. He became the joy of their life.

In February 2010 he moved to Bethany on University where he was cared for by an excellent, loving staff. The Memory Care Unit on Third floor at Bethany on University shared many happy moments with Ardell, his sense of humor and, especially his singing. The family thanks the Hospice staff who cared for Ardell during his final week. Pastor Jim Fugleberg of St. Paul’s Free Lutheran Church has ministered to Ardell and Terry and the entire family throughout the years of Ardell’s illness. We thank you, Pastor Jim.

Ardell is survived by his wife Terry, his son Vernon and three brothers, Kenneth (Charleen) , Stanford, and Alan (Sandra) and numerous nieces and nephews.