John Jordan

Faith became sight for John Erwin Jordan, as our Savior Jesus called him to eternal peace and joy on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, after 95 years of blessing and grace. He endured a week-long hospice journey with his dedicated daughter and amazing care team of St. Croix Hospice, Eau Claire, WI. Blessed be his memory. Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls, MN. Visitation is 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Interment is 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 12 at Lakewood Cemetery in Waubay, South Dakota.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

John was born August 1, 1929 to Otto and Dorothea (Arndt) Jordan in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He attended District 63 Wittier School and graduated from Wabasso High School in 1947. John enlisted four years in the Air Force as a “spark plug chaser,” he would say with a smile. John’s work as an aircraft electrician took him to Chicago, Texas and California. He returned to the area where he grew up, and diligently farmed soybeans and corn. His time also included repairing the machinery and making adjustments.

John married his lovely partner in life Verna Bartelt, November of 1971. Their union was blessed with children, and 47 years of experiences made them stronger together. John enjoyed attending worship, educational, sporting and musical events of his children, videotaping all along the way. He also sang with the church choir, served on the St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Board of Education and was involved as an elder. John would also take on a game of Scrabble with his wife and close family on a weekend afternoon or evening. As John had more time in his retirement, he and Verna visited children and grandchildren, making them all feel special and noticed with his kind words and gentle presence.

When John’s wife passed before him, it was a difficult adjustment, but he accepted being on the farm by himself a couple more years. It wasn’t until Thanksgiving of 2022 that John felt compelled to make a change and take his daughter up on an offer he couldn’t refuse. By Christmas of that year, John joined his three granddaughters and daughter in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The last year of John’s life solidified his trust that God would work out all things for good.

John would indeed have to be patient in afflictions, joyful in hope, faithful in prayer. He believed that even in despair, our loving Savior Jesus was with him. John continued to know that there would be rest, that nothing would separate him from Christ’s love, he was made for a meaningful purpose, that living for God was greater gain than life for himself. He had many opportunities to share God’s goodness, the saving work of Jesus on the cross, to comfort all who believe are forgiven. We can be certain of Jesus’ power over death, and be confident of eternal life.

John is preceded in this amazing promise by his parents, his wife, an infant daughter Denise, and an older brother Donald. He will be missed by his beloved children: Brent (Brenna) Jordan of Duluth, MN, Linda Jordan of Eau Claire, WI, Myron (Mollie) Jordan of Savage, MN and Dale (Theresa) Jordan of Nisswa, MN. Additionally, cherished grandchildren are Jace, Jayva, Jenaya, Myles, Maxwell, Matthias, Sophia, Emelia and Nora. They will all remember their Grampa John’s supportive, caring, calming, and loving presence. John’s younger brother Alex, his wife Arlene and nieces Debbie and Brenda of Watertown, SD were especially encouraging with the prayers and written messages to boost spirits and keep him feeling God’s presence. Also included are nephews Kenneth and Michael and families. Thank you to all extended family and friends for prayers and written support, which kept John and family in a positive place of hope and healing. 

Special thank you to Pastor Hollmann and Pastor Naumann from St. Mark Lutheran in Eau Claire, WI for embracing John as one of their own, sharing Biblical truths, recalling the life of Jesus and His mighty and saving power over life and death, blessing him with the sacrament of Holy Communion, reviewing Lutheran faith and doctrine from Luther’s Catechism, praying and singing familiar and inspiring hymns. All supported John’s spiritual needs and encouragement during his twilight years. Thank you, Pastor Green at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls for visiting John at the most challenging time, and continuing to care throughout with online services, sermon notes that could be read and shared, and offering up prayers of complete healing at even the latest of hours. 

Much gratitude also to St. Croix Hospice in Eau Claire for the wonderful team of nurses and CNAs who came alongside John and his daughter especially to provide incredible care, extraordinary knowledge and prompt compassion in the moments that were most challenging and important to his stability, comfort, and endurance. Social worker Cassie and Chaplain Carl were of utmost blessing at a time of transition, so very grateful. Gus and staff from Integra Healthcare Equipment were also instrumental in transforming the physical space to accommodate all the support required in keeping John’s care optimal at Linda’s home. Thank you for providing services so effectively!

Christian education was important to John. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated at St. John Lutheran School in Redwood Falls or St. Mark Lutheran School in Eau Claire. 

Blessed be Dad’s desire to plant seeds and harvest a field that was plentiful and good. We will continue to remember his legacy and heart to care, with a phrase he often shared, “It’s good to see you. Love you. God bless you.”

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13