A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake with Pastor Doug Rokke officiating. Burial will take place at East Lutheran Cemetery near Rake. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake.
Mary Kathryn (Miller) Jordahl was born November 29, 1948, in Fairmont, Minnesota, daughter of Warren and Ruby (Mertz) Miller. She grew up in Fairmont and graduated from Fairmont High School with the class of 1960. Following high school, Mary attended St. Barnabas Hospital of Nursing in St. Paul, Minnesota. On August 24, 1968, Mary was united in marriage to Burton Jordahl at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont. She then continued her nurses training at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, Minnesota, while Burton worked for Wilson and Company in the offices. Mary graduated with a nursing degree in May of 1970. She worked as a nurse at the Buffalo Center Hospital until it closed, then for Park Clinic, and Mercy Clinic all in Buffalo Center, Iowa. In September of 1970, Mary and Burt moved to Iowa where Burt farmed. For a city girl that would never marry a farmer, Mary found herself driving tractor and chasing pigs on the farm. Mary finished her career in nursing at Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center until her retirement due to her cancer treatments starting. After her health allowed her to work again, she taught CNA classes at NIAAC in Mason City, Iowa. She also worked as a school nurse when she was needed. Mary was a volunteer for the Buffalo Center Ambulance as a crew member. Mary was a dedicated nurse and never complained about having to work extra hours or a double shift at times. She treated everyone with dignity and respect.
Mary was a great wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the rock of the family and will be greatly missed. She always made the rough road smooth. She will never be forgotten. Mary especially enjoyed her grandchildren; they were the center of attention when they came to visit. She always enjoyed making holidays come to life. Everyone enjoyed coming to grandma’s house for great food and treats. The house was always full of love. Mary was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, Iowa. She taught Sunday school and served on various church boards. She knows her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and faithfully attended church.
Mary passed away at her home near Buffalo Center on February 13, 2023, with family by her side, after five years of fighting with cancer. She was 74 years old. She never gave up and was strong until the end. Mary may be gone from our sights but will never be forgotten in our hearts. Mary is survived by her husband of 54 years, Burton Jordahl; sons Jeffrey Jordahl and Michael (Hope) Jordahl; daughter Kathryn (Dana) Greensky; grandchildren, Angelia Jordahl, Spencer Jordahl, Austin (Whitney) Jordahl, Ivey Greensky, Parker Greensky, and Brogan Greensky; sisters Sue Parsons and Carol Biehn; and brothers-and-sisters-in-law Richard (Darlene) Jordahl, Janice (Ted) Wiedenman, and Gene (Jackie) Jordahl. Preceding her in death are her parents, infant sister Helen, and brother Warren William “Bill” Miller.
