Ardene Prien

Ardene Avis Prien passed away June 2 at Patriot Place of Berlin at the age of 94.She was born in the Town of Aurora on September 10, 1925 to Jess and Lona (Rodencal) Hardel. Ardene graduated from 8th grade from a one room school, Davenport #1 and grew up on her family farm at Four Corners, Auroraville. After 8th grade she went to work as a housekeeper on the Ed Krebs farm south of Berlin. Ardene was baptized, confirmed, and married at Immanuel Lutheran Church Auroraville. On June 24 1945 she married Walter Prien and they shared 51 wonderful years together before he passed away in 1996. They moved to a farm at Borth were she was a homemaker and helped with farming. There they joined Trinity Lutheran Church and was a member of the ladies aid. In the 1960’s they moved to Berlin and joined St John Lutheran Church. Ardene was employed as a cook and Baker at Ron's Diner, she was well known for her raised donuts and pies. Later in her life she cleaned at Nortons Marine Dining Room Green Lake for many years. She enjoyed her family and cherished spending time with her daughter, granddaughter and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Rowen; granddaughter, Dana Ballard; great-granddaughters, Ashlyn and Brooklyn Ballard; step great-granddaughter, Teagan Larschied; sister, Betty Leppin; sisters-in-law, Hildegarde Krause and Joan Hardel; other relatives and many friends. Ardene was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Lona Hardel; twin sister, Arlene Hardel; sisters, Lucille Hardel and Mildred Smick; brother, Clifford Hardel; brothers-in-law, Donald Leppin, Noel Smick and Elmer Krause; son-in-law, Thomas Rowen, and other relatives and friends Family and friends may pay their respects to Ardene on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church of Berlin. A funeral service will follow visitation at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Paul Mundinger officiating. Burial will occur in the Pine Grove Cemetery of Auroraville following the service. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, certain precautions will be introduced at the church. Face masks are encouraged, but not required, social distancing protocols followed, and “no contact” will be monitored and respected throughout the service. Also, in keeping with CDC guidelines, there will be no luncheon or fellowship following services.

Ardene Prien

September 10, 1925 - June 2, 2020