Obituaries

Madison:

Ardys (Ardi) Klaas passed away peacefully at the age of 66 on April 17th, 2016 in Madison, WI. Born Ardys Sandra Basthemer on November 18th, 1949 in Madison, WI. She grew up in Mount Horeb, WI and moved to Madison to attend UW and study to be a French Teacher. This is where she met her friend Betty Klaas who liked her so much that she wanted to introduce Ardi to her brother Richard. The rest is history because it was love at first sight. In what became a trend of her life, she sacrificed her education to work so Richard could afford to get through school. After the kids were old enough, she went to work for the State for 29 years and her most recent position was HR assistant.

Ardi always put her children, grandchildren and family first and had a very unique ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world. Through a 4-year battle with cancer she never complained and always continued to think of others. Her strength has inspired many to become better people and has brought the family closer together. She most enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren on “Super Samantha Day” and also enjoyed reading, going out to eat, and time with family and friends.

Survived by “her rock” husband of 46 years, Richard Klaas; children, Robert Klaas and Stacy Klaas, Madison and Scott (Nicole) Klaas, New Berlin. Also by her treasured grandchildren, Samantha and Benjamin Klaas, New Berlin and special granddog, Bango. In addition, Ardi is survived by siblings, Janet Hustad, Steve (Patty) Basthemer and Donna (Dave) Kogut. She was a cherished sister-in-law to Richard’s five sisters and their husbands, an aunt of 40 loving nieces and nephews and great aunt of 43 great nieces and great nephews. She also leaves behind many cousins and longtime friends.

Ardi was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Evelyn Basthemer of Mount Horeb.

A “Celebration of Life” will take place Saturday, April 23rd at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison. Visitation will take place 10am to 12pm with Memorial Service following. Luncheon to immediately follow service at St Paul’s Lutheran Church on 2126 N. Sherman Ave. We deeply thank the medical staff at Carbone Cancer Center where she made special connections with staff by bragging about her family and showing off pictures on her iPad. In lieu of flowers, donations to UW Carbone Cancer Center, in Ardi’s name would be appreciated. On line: kwilliquette@uwcarbone.wisc.edu, or mail to: UW Carbone Cancer Center, Attn: Katie Williquette, 600 Highland Ave., K4/658,Madison, WI 53792-6164.