Michael Jordahl, 73, Minot, died Monday, March 13, 2017, in a Minot hospital.

Michael Earl Jordahl was born on May 2, 1943 in Minot, ND to Earl and Gladyce (Coffey) Jordahl. He was raised and educated in Minot, graduating from Minot High School with the class of '61. He attended Minot State College for several years until he learned that humanities were not his calling. He went on to work alongside his father at Earl's Westland and also was employed as a substitute mail carrier with the Minot Post Office.

Carrying the mail led him to his lifetime love, Mary Nybakken. They were united in marriage on September 1, 1963 at Fron Lutheran Church, rural Minot. They made their home in Minot and were blessed with two children, Jeffrey and Kimberly. Michael gained full-time employment with the post office soon after his marriage. He remained at the post office his entire 37-year career until his retirement in 2000.

Michael was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where he was actively involved in many activities throughout the years. He was a proud 'ripper' and 'cutter' for the ladies of the quilting group, whom he grew to love during their time together. He also was a tentative, yet persistent, member of Archie's Kitchen Crew. Michael was blessed to have the 'gift of gab' which made him a perfect fit for the Lord's Cupboard Food Pantry. He greeted many with his easy smile and welcoming nature offering conversation and a helping hand to provide for those in need. Michael also volunteered many hours at Trinity Hospital serving in many capacities since 1996. He was an avid supporter of the March of Dimes, participating in over 10 years of walk-a-thons, where he was consistently a 'top walker.'

Michael spent many hours at the YMCA, where he enjoyed many games of handball and racquetball. He found great joy in teaching the games to both of his children who spent many hours learning each game and watching him interact with his friends and competitors. He loved his family and valued the time they spent together. He embodied what it meant to be a devoted husband, loving father and trusted friend. He will be missed by all who shared in his life, but will live on in our memories.

Michael's surviving family includes, loving wife of 53 years, Mary Jordahl, Minot, children, Jeffrey, Bismarck and Kimberly, Minneapolis, MN, brother, Greg (Millie) Jordahl, Wilton, ND, aunt, Peg Nogosek, Des Lacs, ND; sisters-in-law, Judy (Gordon) Knotts-Bean, Ocala, FL, Arlene Vogelaar, Penticton, British Columbia, Canada and Karen (David) Scott, Naples, FL, brothers-in-law, Gerald Nybakken, Kasilof, Alaska and James (Marcia) Nybakken, Oakland, CA, along with numerous cousins.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Stephen and Edna Jordahl and Milton and Katherine Coffey, parents-in-law, Edward and Jennie Nybakken, sister-in-law, Gayle Nybakken and brother-in-law, Ted Vogelaar.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Fron Lutheran Cemetery, rural Minot, ND (Spring)
Visitation: Friday, March 17, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Bethany Lutheran Church or The Lord's Cupboard Food Pantry, both of Minot.