Ardys L. Bredlow, 88, of Sparta, and formerly of Oil City, died Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at the Bridge Path Home in Sparta.
She was born on Oct. 30, 1936, to Gerhard and Irma (Wallace) Olson in Little Ridge on the family farm. She attended the Oil City Country School. Ardys was a member of the Ontario High School graduating class of 1954. After high school, she was united in marriage to Harold Downing on Sept 3, 1954, at the church parsonage in Viroqua. He preceded her in death on July 29, 1962. Later she was united in marriage to Edwin Bredlow Jr. on Nov 5, 1966, at Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He preceded her in death March 9, 2020.
Ardys enjoyed riding in the milk truck with Ed many years. After they retired, they enjoyed traveling and took vacations to Alaska and Hawaii. They drove out west, down to Alabama, and really enjoyed following their favorite music artist, Maggie Mae. Ardys will be missed for so many reasons, especially her garden goodies, homemade pies, lefse, rosettes, and dill pickles. She enjoyed passing these traditions and recipes down to her family. Most important to Ardys was her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Gail (John) Ambro of Sparta, and their son, Paul Ambro of Sparta; her son, Daniel (Cindy) Downing of Sparta, and their son, Garett (Mackinzie) Downing of Tomah and their daughter, Karlie Downing of Sparta; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to her husbands Harold and Ed, she was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Lyle and Mildred Olson; a sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Elton Larson; and three brothers- and sisters-in-law, Harry and Bernadine Downing, Chuck and Delores Downing, and Don and Margaret Downing.
A graveside service will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at the Hilltop Cemetery in Ontario. Pastor Bruce A. Milleman and Pastor Trever Skrede will officiate.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Grace Community Church, 100 Monroe St., Ontario. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
The family requests that memorials be given to the Bredlow-Ewing American Legion Post 467 and the Ontario Fire and Rescue in Ardys’ name.
