Irene J. Nordby

Irene June Nordby died on January 20, 2024, at Serenity Memory Care in Dilworth, MN. She was a kind and loving person, deeply loved by her family and friends. Prior to her passing, she was under the loving care of the Serenity staff and Hospice of the Red River Valley and felt comfort in knowing that her children and family were nearby.

Irene was born to Henry and Elma (Stahl) Hepola on June 8, 1937, in Menahga, MN where she grew up and attended school. She married Donald Nordby on October 18, 1952. Together they had three children, Lavern, Diane, and Ron.

Over the years, Irene lived in Menahga, Dilworth, and Wolf Lake, MN. She got to know many people in those communities by working at Earl’s Super Valu, Mill’s Lounge, and the Wolf Lake Liquor Store. She was also very active with the Menahga VFW.

Irene enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling with her husband, and attending family reunions. She was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, especially her favorite football player, Adam Thielen. She also enjoyed deer hunting, reading, dice & card games, Sudoku, bingo, and horseshoes. 

Irene is survived by her daughter Diane Anderson; son Ron (Janet) Nordby; brother Marvin (Marilyn) of Washington; sister Betty Dwyer of Montana; along with many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son Lavern Nordby; sisters Amy, Maryanne, Inga, Lempi, Edna, Aili, and Lila; and brothers Henry “Bill” and Edwin “Eddie.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Menahga with luncheon to follow.