Ardell Fiedler
Ardell Kay Fiedler, 65, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family in Sioux Falls, SD. She was kindhearted, quick to laugh, and always ready with a smile, Ardell’s life was full of love for her family, her friends, and her many cats and dogs.
Born on August 17, 1960, on a farm outside of Aberdeen, SD, Ardell was the youngest of four siblings and often joked that she was her parents’ “last fling.” She was born to Myrtle Marie (Crawford) Fiedler and Samuel John Fiedler and was the much younger sibling of Jerry Lee Fiedler, Connie Jean (Fiedler) Bell, and Louise Ann (Fiedler)Peterson. Ardell was her father’s shadow, tending to the animals and machinery on the farm alongside him.
Ardell attended the SouthDakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired while growing up, laterreturning to work there after earning her master’s degree in RehabilitationCounseling. Whether teaching orientation and mobility skills to students at theschool or providing services to adults at the South Dakota RehabilitationCenter for the Blind, Ardell was a tireless advocate for her students, cheeringon their progress and successes.
Her life did not slow down after retiring from the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs in 2023.Ardell could often be found tending her garden, soaking up the sun with a cup of coffee in hand, chatting with friends, and cheering on her grandchildren at their many sporting events.
Ardell’s greatest joy came from her family. Her daughters, Erin Marie (Giefer) Swenson and Melissa Kay Giefer, not only share Ardell’s looks but also her independent spirit and joy for life. Their mom taught them to dance with abandon, while listening to Janis Joplin, Meatloaf, and Bon Jovi. Her sons-in-law, Sean Michael Swenson and David Dale Speetzen, remember Ardell welcoming them into the family without hesitation. Ardell was a proud and loving grandmother to Kiera Grace Swenson, Kaelyn Emily Swenson, Cameron Noah Swenson, and Caden Jhett Swenson, sharing her love of ice cream, going to the movies, and having sleepovers with them.
Honest with her opinions and full of laughter, Ardell never worried about being “correct.” Her creative voice-to-text messages caused confusion and smiles. She was always true to herself and had a gift for making people feel comfortable just as they were.
The world was a brighter place with Ardell in it, and her family and friends are glad they knew her.