Ardis Jane Grunzke

ARDIS JANE (BURMEISTER) GRUNZKE, age 88, of Mankato, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Ardis was born to Harry and Florence (Swenson) Burmeister on October 25, 1937. She graduated from Waldorf High School and later married the love of her life, Harold Grunzke, on November 27, 1956, at First Lutheran Church in Waldorf. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and countless memories.

Ardis worked as a cook in her career, beginning in Minnesota Lake, before working for the Maple River School District. She spent 20 years as a lead cook and took great pride in caring for others through her work. She also worked for 15 years during corn season cleaning machines and enjoyed helping with Kim’s Cuisine Catering Co. She was a hardworking woman and a strong supporter of her family.

Family was the most important part of Ardis’s life. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and especially enjoyed attending their many activities. She also loved cooking, sewing, quilting, patching, and traveling. Ardis was known for always having something sweet to share, especially German chocolate cake, and there was usually a candy dish nearby for family and friends.

Ardis is survived by her children, Brian (Dawn) Grunzke of Brookings, SD, Blaine (Sharon) Grunzke of Mankato, Lynae Grunzke of Mankato, and Bruce (Beth) Grunzke of Mankato; eight grandchildren, Jerad Grunzke, Jenifer (Chad) Erickson, Matt (Kellie) Grunzke, Brandon (Janet) Grunzke, Amanda Grunzke, Brittany (Jared) Linder, Connor Grunzke, and Caleb Grunzke; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; siblings, Arlan (Bev) Burmeister, Shirley (Jerry) Huxford, and Dale (Dianne) Burmeister; and many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Grunzke; her parents, Harry and Florence Burmeister; and her daughter, Dawn LaRae Grunzke.

Ardis will be remembered for her kind heart, strong work ethic, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. She was someone who showed her love through the things she did for others—from preparing a home-cooked meal and keeping a candy dish full to supporting her family through all of life’s moments. Her greatest joy was her family, and the love she gave them will continue through the generations.

Memorial service for Ardis will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 24, 2026 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Cemetery in Minnesota Lake.