Ardyce F. Carlsten

The Celebration of Life Open House for Ardyce has been postponed until further notice. Ardyce Faye (Simonsen) Carlsten, 86, of Pender, NE passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender. If you are planning to attend the services for Ardyce, the family asks that you please wear a facemask and respect social distancing. Ardyce was born August 23, 1934 at Buis Memorial Hospital in Pender to Hans and Adeline “Lena” (Tonjes) Simonsen, the tenth of eleven children. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church south of Pender. Ardyce attended grade school at District 61 in Cuming County and graduated high school from Pender High School in 1952. After graduation, she worked in the Gamble Store. On July 7, 1957, Ardyce married Kenneth Dale Carlsten. Together Ken, Ardyce and Rhonda made their home in Pender. On July 21, 1960, Natalie Jean was born and on April 27, 1965, Stacey Janelle was born. The Carlsten family made their home one block south of the Pender water tower. Ardyce attended Wayne State College and taught for six years in rural schools. She worked in the Thurston County Superintendent of Schools office. She had her own in-home childcare for many years and worked for five years as a teacher’s aide in the Pender Public Schools Kindergarten class. After retirement, Ardyce cared for the Felber girls until they started school. Ardyce was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Pender, she taught Sunday School and Bible School and was an ordained Elder and Deacon of the Church. She was an active member in PEO and Gamme Iota. Ardyce loved her family, attending family activities, gardening, children, and life! Ardyce is survived by her daughters, Rhonda (Ken) Cahill of Sioux Falls, SD, Natalie (Robert) Gier of Lincoln, NE; son-in-law, Dale Alexander of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Megan (Dominic) Hand, Kevin (Julie) Cahill, Katelin and MaKenna Gier, Jordan and Jaci Alexander; great grandchildren, Elena, Caleb and Isaac Hand, Jack and Quinn Cahill; sisters-in-law, Betty Simonsen, Marzee (Ian) Conway; many nieces and nephews. Ardyce is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; daughter, Stacey Alexander; brothers, Elwood, Eugene, Ardell, Arthur, Don; sisters Ilene, Hazel, Helen, Eleanor, Carole; nephews, Gary Simonsen, Glen Simonsen; great nephew, Jeff Simonsen.