Ardis Ione Just

Ardis I. Just, 99, of Willmar, died Thursday, June 18th at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Her graveside service will be at a later date at Oak Side Cemetery in rural Atwater. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Ardis Ione Just was born on May 21, 1927, to George and Irene (Noble) Plackner in Benson, Minnesota. She was raised in Benson and graduated from Benson High School in 1945. While still in school, Ardis began working in nursing, discovering a lifelong passion for caring for others. Following graduation, she attended Cadet Nursing School at Northwestern and later earned her Registered Nursing degree from Northwestern.

Ardis dedicated 43 years to the nursing profession. She began her career in the Pediatrics Department at Northwestern Hospital as a registered nurse. On June 4, 1950, she was united in marriage to Charles Hord Just at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Benson. In 1972, the couple moved to Willmar, where Ardis continued her work in pediatrics at Rice Memorial Hospital, eventually serving as head nurse until her retirement.

A faithful member of Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer, Ardis generously shared her time and talents through many areas of ministry. She taught Sunday school, served as Sunday school superintendent, and helped organize senior fellowship gatherings. She was also active with AARP in Willmar and volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce and Ridgewater College, assisting with career assessment programs.

Ardis enjoyed knitting, crocheting, flower gardening, and listening to music. She especially loved singing and had the opportunity to perform in a choir directed by Robert Shaw in Minneapolis. Ardis was in Benson’s first Kid Day parade and was a honoree in the parade in her 90’s. Above all, Ardis treasured her family. She found great joy in her roles as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, and cherished every opportunity to spend time with those she loved.

Ardis is survived by her daughters: Rolayne Beerman of Atwater and Jolly Shearer of Atwater; daughter-in-law, Linda Just; grandchildren: Matthew (April) Beerman, Ben (Alicia) Beerman, Andrew Beerman, Joseph (Iveth) Shearer and Adam Just; great-grandchildren: Melanie (Ben) Geels, Derrick Beerman, Carson Beerman, Even Beerman, Piper Beerman, Livianna Beerman, Mia Beerman, and Mateo Shearer; and great-great-grandchild: Waylon and one on the way; and brother, Donald Plackner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck; parents; son: Jeff Just; sons-in-laws: Paul Beerman and Earl Shearer; brother, William Plackner; and sister-in-law, Ruth Plackner.

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