Joanne Ardolf Decker

Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Drive
Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-2202

Joanne Ardolf Decker, age 69, of rural Mankato, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at her home with her loving family at her side.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 20, 2012, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato, with Rev. Peter Nosbush officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Mankato Mortuary handled the arrangements. Memorials are preferred to the ALS Association - Equipment Loan Locker.

Joanne was born February 15, 1942, to Albert and Cecelia (Pavlish) Ardolf in Glencoe, MN. She graduated from Silver Lake Public School in 1960. After she graduated from St. Benedict's College, Joanne received her M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. On December 26, 1974, she was united in marriage to James "Jim" Decker in Silver Lake. Joanne was a college professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato for 20 years before retiring in June of 1997. She was a person who lived life to the fullest and enjoyed coral art, pottery, poetry, and travelling.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Jim of rural Mankato; brother, Rev. Edward Ardolf of Nicollet; sister, Sr. Miriam Ardolf, OSB of St. Joseph; nieces and nephews; godchildren, Marco and Christina Vazquez of Willmar; and many precious friends and neighbors who came to the home regularly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Leo (Gladys) and Eugene (Dorothy) Ardolf.