Ardis Niebling

Ardis “Ardie” Martha Niebling, age 89 of Montello, WI (White Lake) peacefully went to be with Jesus on Friday, June 23, 2023 surrounded by her loving daughters.  Ardie was born on February 24, 1934 in Bowler, WI to William and Martha Pingel and was the youngest of their 16 children.  She graduated from Bowler High School at the age of 17 and moved to Milwaukee, WI to begin her first job.

Ardie met Robert Engelien and they married on May 22, 1954. They eventually moved to Galesville, WI where they raised their family of 5 daughters. She was a supportive wife, active in church, helped with Girl Scouts, and involved in all her kids’ activities. She was patient, hard-working, willing to stay up late to help a daughter with school work, a last-minute sewing task, or just be a listening ear. In 1984 Bob and Ardie parted ways.

Later, Ardie married William (Bill) Niebling on November 25, 1989. They resided in Montello, WI, where she and Bill owned a small business together.  She had many roles including office manager, bookkeeper, and salesperson. Ardie and Bill also had a successful Avon business. Bill passed away on May 21, 2022.

Ardie found joy in the simple things in life. She enjoyed the beautiful wooded surroundings of God’s creation and cherished the time spent at the lake.

She loved the laughs and conversation when family would visit and was always up for a competitive board or card game.  Long distance, she was a serious Word Feud challenger. Family meant everything to Ardie.

Her wise counsel, unconditional love, and praying spirit left a legacy that lives on. Her unwavering love and faith in Jesus was her strength throughout her life even in her very last breath.  2 Corinthians 5:1-8

Ardie is survived by two sisters: Arline Rosemeyer and Jean (Dale) Tenner; her daughters: Sharon (Doug) Rethmeyer, Karen Engelien, Sue (Dan) Mahlum, Mary (Paul) Leithold and Cindy (Todd) Johnson and step-daughter, Rae Lynn Mielke; grandchildren, Bryan Greig, Brady (Jillian) Greig, Kyle (Emilee) Greig, Amanda Engelien, Emily (Keaton) Hildreth, David (Katie) Mahlum, Josh (Valerie) Mahlum, Hannah Mahlum, Steven Leithold, Tessa Leithold, Taylor (Rick) Gilbert, Madison (Bjorn) Blomquist, Chloe Leithold, Faith Leithold, Mackenzie (Landon) Baer, Alex (Katelyn) Johnson and Ethan Johnson.  She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and her wonderful neighbors.

Ardie is preceded in death by her husband William, her first husband Robert Engelien, 13 siblings, and infant granddaughter Lauren.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Although she is no longer physically present, we know she is with Jesus.  We will look forward to being reunited someday and until then, her love, wisdom, and example will be close in our hearts.

A memorial service for Ardie will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Terrace Shores Evangelical Free Church, W3278 Co Rd K, Markesan, WI 53946. Pastor Gary Zacharias will preside and inurnment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Terrace Shores Evangelical Free Church.