Mary Lou Nordling

August 28, 2026 Mary Lou Nordling of Farmington, Minnesota passed away at age 98, after a brief hospital stay. She was born in Bloomington, Minnesota on March 15, 1928. Her life was filled with love, faith, family, hard work and simple joys. She leaves behind a legacy that will be deeply cherished.

Mary Lou was the daughter of Elden and Elizabeth (Pahl) Oxborough and was sister to brothers Roger and Gordy. As a youngster she worked beside her family, planting, raising and harvesting vegetables to take to the market in Minneapolis. From an early age she learned the importance of hard work, and she took her responsibility as a steward of the land seriously.

Mary Lou graduated from St. Margaret in 1946. She went on to work as a supervisor in an insurance company in Minneapolis.

In February 1956 she married Richard Nordling and they moved to Farmington to a 80 acre dairy farm they purchased. Mary Lou lived out her life on the farm and took great pride in her independence.

As a full-time homemaker she took pride in her role as wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Mary Lou spoke with pride about the time spent raising her family and working with her husband Richard and their four children (Bob, Jeff, Denny &Pam) on the farm. She would recall “There wasn’t a tractor that I couldn’t drive.”

Her work ethic was unmatched, never shying away from doing what was needed. A doctor recently asked, “Gentle lady, what do you attribute your long life to?” Without missing a beat she responded “Well I guess it’s doing the right thing at the right time.” She said with a big smile. Mary Lou was very generous with her time, never waiting to be asked to help others.

Mary Lou was involved in the community hosting and attending Homemakers with neighbors and Card Club where they played 500. She also found great joy in volunteering. 4-H was close to her heart in so many ways. From club leader, to project leader, to spear heading the building of not one but two 4-H malt stands. The malt stands were a family affair and a staple for the county fair. It was also a successful fundraiser supporting Dakota County 4-H to this day. The 4-H dairy show was a favorite of Mary Lou’s. Year after year she would sit in the stands and visit with families and cheer on her children, grand-children and most recently her great-grandchildren. This year the county fair was no different. At age 98, she attended 4 out of 5 full days at the fair, supporting her great-grandchildren in their projects and animal entries. She left an impact on countless numbers of children throughout her years in 4-H. Her 4-H legacy lives on in her great-grandchildren. Mary Lou will be remembered for her steady presence, strong work ethic and the gentle way she loved her family.

Mary Lou was also creative. She poured care into everything she did. She was an avid baker especially around Christmas when she would create numerous cookies and candies to share with family and friends. Sewing was also something Mary Lou enjoyed for many years. Often making the most “unique” items for her grandchildren. Mary Lou carried on the tradition of gardening that she learned from her parents working in the vegetable gardens. She nurtured her garden carefully, ensuring the best harvest of vegetables and beautiful flowers. Her garden reflected her diligence and she was expert at using every scrap harvested to create delicious jams, sauces and vegetable dishes for her family.

To say she loved garage sales is an understatement. Each week, along with her adoring husband Richard they would hit the local sales. She loved finding useful things for the entire family. It was a bonus when she got a good deal!

Mary Lou faced adversity head on. After 56 years of marriage Mary Lou lost her beloved husband Richard in 2012. Little changed in the way of her daily routine. She continued on bravely and as independently as possible, never wanting to be a burden. She also faced her own illnesses with courage, faith and dignity. Her strength in the face of hardship will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Together, Mary Lou and Richard built a family grounded in love, faith and support. Mary Lou is preceeded in death by parents Elden and Elizabeth Oxborough, brothers, Roger and Gordon Oxborough and son Jeffrey (Pat) Nordling. They are survived by their sons, Robert (Lori) Nordling, Dennis (Patti) Nordling and Pamela (Ron) Breeggemann and their eleven grandchildren, Lane (Mark) Jones, TJ (Nora) Nordling, Cassie Breeggemann, Karin (Matt) Schaefer, Greg (Andrea) Nordling, Scott (Alecia) Breeggemann, Doug (Jamie) Nordling, Eric (Ashley) Nordling, Tom (Tena) Breeggeman, Kelsey (Earl) Saltzberry, Brad (Marissa) Nordling, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. They will be remembered as loving parents and grandparents, devoted partners and faithful friends.

A visitation will occur at White Funeral Home in Farmington on September 10th from 4-7 p.m. An hour visitation prior to Mass on September 11th. Mass will be at St. Michaels Church in Farmington at 11a.m. Luncheon will be served at the church following the burial at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to The American Heart Association and Donate Life America (organ donation

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com