Ardeen Tolk

Ardeen Robert Tolk was born on March 7, 1937, on a farm in Ward, SD, to Henry and Lottie (Voight) Tolk. He lived in the Minneota and Ruthton areas and was baptized and confirmed at Aetna Lutheran Church in Ruthton. Ardeen farmed with his dad until 1959, when he started working at Kerr’s Hatchery. In 1960, he started working for D.C. Kompelien Construction and in 1963, he went to work for K.A. Thompson & Sons. In 1969, he started Ardeen Tolk Graveling and continued operations until his death. On July 23, 1960, he married Sandra Heldt in Florence. The couple lived in the Minneota Area until Ardeen’s death. From this union three children were born: Cynthia, Robert and Barbara. Ardeen’s favorite past-times include fishing, boating and visiting with his brother, Donnie. He also enjoyed playing pool and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ardeen especially enjoyed operating his gravel business. He died on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. He is survived by his wife, Sandy of Minneota, children Cynthia Tolk of Marshall, Robert (and Tamara) Tolk of Minneota, Barbara (and Gary) Wigness of Carver; nine grandchildren Christopher (and Ashley) Tolk of Minneota, Tessa (and Matt) Bottelberghe of Minneota, Desiree Tolk of Marshall, Meagan, Kelsea, Dylan, Isabelle and McKenzie Tolk, all of Minneota and Rebecca Wigness of Carver; five great-grandchildren Mason, Emma and Caleb Bottelberghe and Jordyn and Landon Tolk; one brother Donald (and Eleanor) Tolk of Tyler, one sister Shirley (and Arlen) Reese of Richland, WA, several nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.