Clifford Nordly

Clifford L. Nordly, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, at his Legacy Commons residence in Clinton, MN. A lifelong Minnesotan with deep roots in his community and a heart full of faith and humor, Cliff left behind a legacy of service, dedication, and warmth.

Funeral Services will be June 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton officiated by Minister Jim Rach.  Visitation will be Friday, June 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church and will continue Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the church.  Urn bearers will be all of Cliff's grandchildren.

Cliff as born on April 25, 1939, in Graceville, MN to Melvin and Dorothy Nordly. Cliff grew up in rural Graceville, attended elementary school in Barry, and graduated from Graceville High School in 1957. He went on to earn a certificate in Electronics and Mechanical Drafting from the Minneapolis School of Drafting in 1966.

Cliff's early career began with service to his country as a member of the Army National Guard, where he held the rank of E-2. From 1958 to 1967, he worked as a truck driver and warehouse worker at various locations throughout the Minneapolis area. During his time there he met and married the love of his life, JoAnn Bueckers. They were married in 1963 at Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. In 1967, they returned to his agricultural roots in rural Graceville and began farming and started a family. They were blessed with five children. Cliff pursued his farming career until 1990. Alongside farming, he also worked as a Moorman Feed Co feed salesman for a short time. After retirement from farming, Cliff drove truck a number of years for Morris Grain Co. Following JoAnn's retirement in 2014, they were able to enjoy their winters together in Lake Havasu City, AZ.

A man committed to his community, Cliff served on several local boards including the school board, elevator board, nursing home board, and the National Farmers Organization (NFO). He and JoAnn were also members of the Chautauqua Concert Association. His leadership reflected his belief in supporting rural life and advocating for those around him.

Faith was central to Cliff's life. He was a life-long active member of Siloah Lutheran Church where he served in many capacities over the years. He was also involved with Mt. Olive Lutheran Church during his time in Arizona and participated in Via de Cristo ministries—demonstrating his enduring commitment to spiritual growth and fellowship.

Cliff's life extended well beyond work and service. He enjoyed woodworking projects that showcased his attention to detail; camping trips that brought him closer to nature; flying adventures as a part of the local flying club; card games filled with laughter; music concerts and singing that stirred his soul; and countless hours spent with friends and family. Known for his dry sense of humor and comical spirit, Cliff could light up any room with a well-timed joke or playful remark. His kindheartedness made him especially beloved by younger children who were drawn to his gentle nature. A man of strong convictions—sometimes stubborn but always sincere—Cliff approached life with integrity and purpose.

May Cliff's memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire lives rooted in faith, kindness, and dedication.

Survivors include his children, Laurie Anderson of Watertown, MN, Jared (Kiara) Nordly of Clinton, MN, Aaron (Karine) Nordly of Mankato, MN, Jennifer (Bob) Haukos of Beardsley, MN, and April (Josh) Sibson of Steamboat Springs, CO; grandchildren, Per, Hans and Lars Anderson, Nate (Jenn) Nordly, Kaitlyn (Tom) Silver, Logan (McKenzie) Nordly, Morgan (Jackson) Gregory, Walker (Sonya) Lick, Whitney (Garret) Braun, Kylie Lick (Isaac), Jake and Jenna Nordly, Paige Haukos, Georgie, Elliot and Mallory Sibson; 14 great grandchildren and 1 more arriving soon; sisters, Marcella Hansen of Hutchinson, MN, and Judy (Bob) Ophaug of St. Paul, MN, and brother Jim (Jean) Nordly of Rochester, MN.

Clifford was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn; parents, Melvin and Dorothy; brother-in-law, Harlan Hansen; and close family friends, Louie Martinez and Elisa Martinez.