Ardola Ione Huisenga, age 96, of Early, IA, passed away on January 31, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society in Holstein, IA. 

   Ardola was born on September 17, 1921, to Reinard Sr. and Francis (Breon) Janssen on the farm near Auburn, IA.  She was baptized at the Carnarvon Church and was a member of the Early United Methodist Church for many years.

   On September 9, 1940, Ardola was united in marriage to Everett Huisenga in Sac City.   After Everett returned from the war, he and Ardola made their home near Early where together they raised their seven children.              

   Ardola worked as a cook for many years.  Cooking for her parent’s restaurant in Early and then owning her own restaurant in Early.  She was a very hard worker and took pride in her business.  She enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening.  She was known around the county for her homemade cinnamon rolls and pies.  In her younger years, she, Everett, friends and family, spent many weekends dancing at Lakewood Ballroom to big band music.  Ardola and Everett celebrated 75 years of marriage on the 9th of September 2015.  Ardola was very active in her church and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  She loved her family and enjoyed spending as much time as she could with them.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

   Survivors include children: Larry Huisenga of Bellevue, NE, Kay Huckins of Vancouver, WA, Cheri (Clinton) Tillman of St. Robert, MO, Lynn Huisenga of Marshalltown, IA, Lonnie Huisenga of Houston, TX, and Lanny (Deb) Huisenga of Moline, IL; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.  Other survivors include her brothers Reinard Jr. Janssen of Yuma, CO, Marvin (Macel) Janssen of Sac City, IA; sisters: Nera Zimmer of Early, IA, Wanda Bulten of Early, IA; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

   Ardola was preceded in death by her husband Everett, parents Reinard Sr. and Francis; daughter Deanna Lewis; daughter-in-law Pat Huisenga; son-in-law Ken Huckins; sister Arlene (Don) Heun; sister-in-law Silvia Janssen; brothers-in-law: Swede Bulten and Milton Zimmer.