James Ordner

Jim was born in South Minneapolis in 1934 to Evelyn & George Ordner and was the oldest of three children. The family moved to SE Minneapolis not far from the University of Minnesota near Dinkytown. Jim went to grade school at Saint Lawrence Church parochial school run by the Sisters of Saint Joseph Carondolet. Then he went to De LaSalle High School on scholarship. After graduation Jim went into the Paulist Seminary out east for 4 years and obtained degrees in Philosophy and Theology.

Father Wallin (known as "Marrying Sam") of The Paulist Fathers at Saint Lawrence Church organized a singles group called the "OACS" (Organization of Active Catholic Singles), trip to Taylor's Falls where he introduced Jim and Pat. They were married in June of 1959. Had Jim lived, he and Pat would have been married 58 years the 6th of June 2017. Pat and Jim had 4 children: Diane, Linda, Dan and Gregg. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed family gatherings and looked forward to attending band concerts and sporting events of his grandchildren. When the kids were growing up they took summer vacations to several resorts, favorite being Harder's Resort on Lake Cowdry in Alexandria. Usually where Jim was playing in a golf tournament.

Early in his work career, Jim went back to school at St. Thomas and received a teaching certificate and taught for a year at Saint Margaret Mary's Catholic school but decided that was not what he wanted to do. He found a career better suited to his outgoing and friendly personality: selling insurance and worked in Minneapolis, the Chicago area, St. Louis and Bettendorf, IA.

Jim's Catholic faith was very important to him and he was active at St. Alphonsus where he sang in the choir and Saint William where he lectured at the 5 pm mass on Saturday evenings.

Jim and Pat enjoyed their place at Pathfinder Village in Hinckley and bought their own lot in "the pines" and a 40' 5th wheel Coachman Trailer. Later on they added an addition which made living there much more enjoyable.

Jim's passion was golf and he really enjoyed the game; especially once he was able to break 100. He played golf at Pathfinder Village and was on their golf committee. Jim was also a member of Grand National Golf Course in Hinckley. He especially liked playing golf with his two grandsons: Matt and Mark Ordner; son Dan and son-in-law Drew. He and Pat liked eating at the Grand National grill when they had their monthly specials. He was also a member at Daytona golf club and won the title of Duke of Daytona one year.

Jim & Pat and their kids lived in Brooklyn Center near Brookdale for many years. Later, Jim & Pat moved to The Boulevard at Crest View Senior Communities in Columbia Heights where Jim's mom, Evelyn Ordner, was living. Since Jim was constantly running over to run errands and do things for his mom, Jim and Pat decided it would be easier to just live at The Boulevard and have lived there for over 11 years.

Jim quickly became "Mr. Crest View" by befriending many of their neighbors and organizing special events such as: spaghetti dinners, New Year's Eve Party, Super Bowl party, cooking chicken and beer marinated brats for the Western BBQ, calling Bingo, playing cards, and most recently organized Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion for the Catholics at The Boulevard moderated by Brother Bruce and Joni Sandlin. Jim was most proud of this event. He was also Emcee for the Crest View Annual Gala several times and a member of the Crest View Foundation. Jim loved to cook and would share large batches of his creations with his neighbors at The Boulevard. Jim was awarded the CEO Volunteer Award at Crestview recently.

Jim's social and outgoing nature endeared him to so many people and he belonged to many groups: Knights of Columbus and was 4th Degree, Blue Goose, Bridge Club, and was a member of many golf clubs.

Jim liked traveling and he and Pat would visit family, friends and places across the U.S., especially FL where youngest son Gregg and his family live, Texas, the East Coast, the South West, Alaska, Colorado and Georgia. They made many Catholic pilgrimages, especially to Our Lady of the Angeles Monastery (Mother Angelica's place) in AL, Our Lady of the Snows in IL, Saint Therese of Lisieux (The Little Flower Shrine) in IL.

Jim loved a good time, always had a smile on his face, was a good neighbor – always ready to lend a hand and help someone. He touched many lives and though he will be greatly missed, he left all of us with very special memories.


Ordner, James "Jim" E., age 82 of Columbia Heights, passed away unexpectedly surrounded by family on May 31, 2017. Survived by wife of 58 years, Pat; children, Diane Ordner, Linda (Drew) Frankel, Dan (Michon) Ordner, Gregg (Pam) Ordner; grandchildren, Braun, Chance, Matthew, Mark, Justin, Amanda, Jordan, Hannah; 3 great grandchildren; siblings, Charlotte (Clarence) Thrun, Ray (Cathy) Ordner; and many friends. Mass of Christian Burial on Mon June 12 at 11AM with visitation beginning at 9AM at The Church of Saint William, 6120 5th St NE, Fridley. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.