Ardale Allen Jess was born in Page, ND on 11/19/1932 to John and Alice (Seymour) Jess. He attended schools in the Colgate/Page area and worked on the family farm. After high school Ardale joined the military. He married Lilah Halvorson on 4/30/1960 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hope, ND. They moved to Fargo in 1966.

Ardale worked various jobs before working at Fargo Tire for 32 years. He retired in 2003. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, gardening and carpentry. He was a jack of all trades as evidenced by his large hardworking hands. He was a devoted husband and father.

Ardale is survived by his wife, Lilah, Fargo, ND; daughters, Lori (Timothy) Torgerson, Leonard, ND; Jonie (Leo) Dignan, Horace, ND; sons, Todd Jess and Scott Jess, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Bradley (Suzanne) Hegvick, Finley, ND; Alyssa (Eric) Sauvageau, Leonard, ND, Sadie Dignan, Horace, ND; great-grandchild, Avery Hegvick; and brother, Rev. Theodore Jess, Big Piney, WY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and two brothers.