Ardell Holte, 81, Voltaire, died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at the Souris Valley Care Center, Velva.

Ardell Wayne Holte was born June 13, 1928, a son of Alfred and Freda (Erickson) Holte, in Lebanon Township of McHenry County, near Voltaire. He was raised on the farm and attended grade school and two years of high school in Voltaire. He was baptized and confirmed at Hjerdahl Lutheran Church, Voltaire. In September of 1943, Ardell's father passed away. Ardell then took over the operation of the family farm. He graduated from Velva High School in 1946.

Ardell began his career with Central Power in December of 1952. While working for Central Power (now Basin Electric) he continued to farm his mother's land. He retired as an operator from the power plant in 1975, and continued to farm.

Ardell married Deloris Johnson Nov. 12, 1976, in Benedict. They made their home in Voltaire and continued to farm. He retired from farming at age 70.

He was a member of the Hjerdahl Lutheran Church, the church council, and the Hjerdahl Lutheran Cemetery Board. He was also a member of the Eagles Aerie, the Moose Lodge, both of Minot, and had served on the Voltaire Farmers Elevator Board and Lebanon Township Board for a number of years. Ardell had also served on the Rural Velva Fire District for 28 years.

His loving family includes: wife of 33 years, Deloris, Velva; sister, Eunice Wunderlich, Velva; five nieces, Colleen Wunderlich, Bismarck, Joan (Monte) Hansen, Velva, Jan Wunderlich, Grand Forks, Julie Wunderlich, Grand Forks, and Cheri (Robert) Gackle, Velva; two great-nieces, Erin Hansen, St. Paul, Minn., and Cailin Gackle, Velva; aunt, LaVerne Holte, Minot; and numerous cousins.

Ardell was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, Vernon Wunderlich.

Funeral: Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at 11a.m. at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva.

Interment: Monday at 1:30 p.m. at Hjerdal Lutheran Cemetery, Voltaire.

Visitation: Sunday, Nov. 29, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Velva.

Memorials: Memorials are preferred to Hjerdahl Lutheran Church, the Hjerdahl Lutheran Cemetery, or to the donor's choice.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).