Ardena M. Breymeyer, 95, of Cissna Park, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born on August 10, 1927 in Ash Grove Twp., a daughter of John F. and Erna (Schroeder) Salmon. Ardena married Homer A. Breymeyer on June 30, 1946 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth and he preceded her in death on October 2, 2017.
Homer and Ardena had a special and loving relationship for over 71 years. Their relationship began on a summer’s day at the Annual St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Picnic. They were sweethearts while Homer fought in Europe during WWII and upon his return to the states, they planned their marriage. They loved each other deeply during their time together. Homer and Ardena worked hard, laughed freely, and taught their children to love and trust in God, be responsible and created many beautiful memories for the family. Ardena missed the love of her life for the past five years and now they get to continue holding hands in heaven.
Surviving are three daughters, Susan (James “Pete”) Wells of Thawville, Peggy (William) Lah of Goodland, IN, and Jayne (Dean) Henrichs of Cissna Park; three sons, Barry (Diana) Breymeyer of Hampstead, NC, Bryan (Suzanne) Breymeyer of Paxton, Daryl (Jennifer) Breymeyer of Grand Rapids, MI; one sister, Shelby Jean (Michael) Townsend of Farmington, MO; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Lois Redeker and Eunice Windhorn; one son-in-law, Rick Houser; and one great-grandson, Derek Houser.
Ardena was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth. She hand stitched many quilts over the years and lovingly made quilts and blankets for all 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She worked at JCPenney in Watseka in sales and as a bookkeeper for 27 years.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. CST on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth with Rev. Michael Ruhlig officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Woodworth. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at the church.
Memorials may be given to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or St. Paul’s Lutheran School.
