Ardyce E. Gackstetter

Ardyce E. Gackstetter, age 92, passed away on October 26, 2023 at Jenkins Living Center in Watertown. Per Ardy’s wishes, private family services and burial will be held.  In lieu of flowers, if you choose, any memorials should go to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Watertown Community Foundation, or Watertown’s Bramble Park Zoo.  

Ardyce was born November 19, 1930, in Watertown, SD, to Ted and Altha (Bergerson) Bjorklund.  She was baptized in the Lutheran faith.  She graduated from Lake Norden High School in 1948.  She attended South Dakota State University and earned an associate degree in Home Economics.  She married Dean Gackstetter on November 21, 1950.   

She was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer.  She served on the South Dakota State Board of Architects & Engineers, the Town Players Board, she was a member of the Codington County Historical Society, she also served on the Women’s Resource Board and the Watertown Country Club Board.  She was a member of PEO, and a member of the Priscilla Circle of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer.   

Ardy enjoyed playing bridge, reading, theater, traveling, music, and golf.   

She was especially proud of her four children, ten grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.  She treasured her family and all  their accomplishments.  Ardyce is grateful for her family and all her friends.   

Ardyce is survived by one daughter, Wendy (Sanford) Eden Prairie, MN; three sons Gary (Jeanne) Sioux Falls, SD; Tim (Nancy) San Diego, CA; and Todd (Patti) Hartford, SD.; and one sister Joan (Lee) Carey, Nine Mile Falls, WA.   

Ardyce was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Altha; her husband, Dean; one brother, Maynard; and  one sister, Mavis (Floyd).  

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.