Verna Bertha Frieda Jordan, age 79 of Redwood Falls formerly of Waubay, SD, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2019 at St. Cloud Hospital due to complications from surgery.  Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 21 at St. John Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls.  Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Redwood Valley Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Thursday.  Interment will be in the Lakewood Cemetery in Waubay, South Dakota at a later date. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Verna Bertha Frieda (Bartelt) Jordan was born April 25, 1939 to Arthur Hugo Ernest and Olga Marie (Hinkelman) Bartelt in Waubay, South Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waubay. In her early years, Verna attended the Bartelt country school near the family farm. She then graduated from Waubay High School in 1957. During that time, she worked to help her parents progress the family farm. She also worked at the Webster Creamery, where she performed accountant duties. In 1968, Verna met the love of her life John Erwin Jordan in Waubay. Their love for each other continued to grow and they were united in marriage on November 27, 1971 at Zion Lutheran Church. The couple then moved to a farm in Redwood Falls, where they worked together and started a family. They were married for over 47 years. Verna treasured her family and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She delighted in being a part of their lives and stopped everything if there was a chance to spend time with them. Verna made all of her children and grandchildren feel special and gave numerous cards for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas or because she was thinking of them. Through her crafting, she made each of her grandchildren a crocheted afghan. Verna wanted to give something to each of them that was from her. Her love and dedication to her family was immeasurable and she will be greatly missed. Verna volunteered at church and in her community. She served as treasurer for the Ladies Aide at St. John and was a member of the LWMS. Verna helped in the kitchen at church when needed and would frequently serve coffee and homemade treats for Bible hour with John. She communicated frequently with her friends and family in South Dakota and continued to donate her time and resources to her home church.  Verna also worked in the kitchen at Redwood Falls Schools, when help was needed. She enjoyed sharing ideas and creating beautiful decorations with different crafting groups in the area. She enjoyed time spent with friends over coffee; favorite pastimes were playing scrabble, canning and gardening. Verna recently had serious medical issues which required surgery. The impact of her health condition was a significant amount of stress and pain for her. She never complained or contemplated the reasons why. Verna trusted God and His promises throughout her life and into her death. She witnessed her faith throughout her ordeal. In her last moments on this earth, her daughter Linda recited Psalm 23 and Numbers 6:24-25. Upon hearing the Word Verna spoke confidently, “Jesus Saves” and “Jesus Loves You” and also stated “Jesus is here forever.” These were powerful words spoken from a strong woman, who was confident in God’s promises. Verna lived her 79 years, 9 months and 22 days serving the LORD. Blessed be her memory.

Verna is survived by her husband John of Redwood Falls; children: Brent (Brenna) Jordan of Duluth, Linda (Adam) Kuechle of Chippewa Falls, WI, Myron (Mollie) Jordan of Savage and Dale Jordan of Nisswa; grandchildren: Jace, Jayva & Jenaya Jordan, Sophia, Emelia & Nora Kuechle, and Myles, Maxwell & Matthias Jordan. She is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Olga Bartelt and infant daughter Denise Mae Jordan.