General Information
Full Name: Odelia Marie (Nachbar) Riesgraf
Date of Birth: April 12, 1917
Date of Death: December 22, 2012
Odelia’s life story
Odelia Marie Riesgraf
Odelia Marie Riesgraf was born on April 12, 1917 on a farm south of Jordan off county road 11. She was welcomed into the world by her parents, William and Mary (Deutsch) Nachbar, and a brother Francis. She attended rural and Jordan schools and then worked with families who needed help.
She married Andrew Riesgraf on May 9, 1939 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan. They farmed in Belle Plaine township a few years before coming to a farm east of Jordan to continue farming for many years. They raised seven children: Donna, Marilyn, Joann, Kenneth, Lois, Rodney, and Brenda.
Odelia and Andrew enjoyed traveling, card playing and their family. After retiring from farming they worked at what used to be the Triangle Station and Restaurant in Jordan.
After Andrew died on May 4, 1988, Odelia stayed on the farm for a few more years, then bought a house, and moved to Jordan. Her volunteer work continued in the church and community. She enjoyed quilting, making a quilt for each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild. She also made many quilts for the church festivals. She helped at funeral luncheons for many years and also worked with other church activities. She was a lifetime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Odelia was also an active member of Christian Mothers, Church Quilting Club and Catholic Aid Association.
At the age of 95 Odelia passed away peacefully in the presence of her family and entered God’s arms on the morning of Saturday, December 22, 2012.
Forever loved, she will be deeply missed by her children: Donna (Jim) Murphy, Golden Valley, Marilyn (Willie) Kalal, Prior Lake, Joann Homyak, Prior Lake, Kenneth ( Sandie) Riesgraf, Mankato, Lois (Allen Rothe) Riesgraf, Chaska, Rodney (special friend, Myra Hoffman) Riesgraf, Jordan, and Brenda (Scott) Kern, Eden Prairie; 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 15 great great grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Buddy and Rosella Riesgraf, Belle Plaine, sister-in-law, Sabina Blatz, St. Paul Park.
Odelia is preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Riesgraf; her parents, William and Mary Nachbar and her brother, Francis Nachbar.
Pallbearers will be Kenneth Riesgraf, Rodney Riesgraf, Brett Langer, Andrew Homyak, Scott Riesgraf, and Joel Murphy.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 104 West First Street, Jordan and from 9:30-11:00 am Thursday at church prior to mass. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan. Father Thomas Joseph will officiate. Odelia will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery next to her husband Andrew.
The Riesgraf family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Jordan.
Visitation
When: Wedneaday, December 26, 2012, 4-8 pm
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 104 First St. W.
Jordan, MN 55352
There also will be visitation at the church 1 hour prior to services.
Service Information
Mass of Christian Burial
When: Thursday, December 27, 2012, 11:00 am
Location: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Address: 313 E. Second St.
Jordan, MN 55352
Interment Information
Location: Calvary Cemetery
Address: Jordan, MN 55352
