JACQUE NORDBY

Jacque R. (Kays) Nordby, of Braham, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 29, 2024, from a tragic accident at her home.  She was 54 years old.

Jacque, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend.  The first-born daughter to Jim and Joyce Kays, Jacque graced the world with her presence, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her. Jacque grew up in Stanchfield, MN.  She attended grade school and high school in Braham.

Following her high school graduation in 1988, Jacque pursued her passion for business at Minneapolis Business College, where she honed her skills and earned her degree in Business. Armed with determination and ambition, Jacque proved to coworkers she had the knowledge and skills to do great things.  She worked at the Braham Bank, Kline Oil, and Braham Liquor store. Her diligent work ethic and innate ability to connect with others can be seen in her 28 years she worked for the City of Braham and the manager of the Municipal Liquor Store. She grew inventory and customer bases quickly so that they built a bigger liquor store. Again, she proved her business skills by increasing sales for the store that a remodel and expansion was needed a few years after.   Her management skills led to many purchases and items for the local fire department including jaws of life and body cameras for the local police officers.  In her most recent endeavor, Jacque found joy in sharing her passion for Northern Hollow Winery's exquisite offerings with the people of Minnesota. As a dedicated member of their team, she poured her heart into marketing their products, spreading joy and delight wherever she went.

Jacque's journey through life was enriched by the companionship of her husband, Gordy, whom she married in 1991. Together, they forged ahead and made their home in Royalton Township, where they embarked on the adventure of building their dream home and nurturing their family. Their union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Taylor and Andi, who were the light of Jacque's life.  She rode passenger behind Gordy on motorcycle trips all over the country coast to coast, logging over 60k miles.  Jacque was also passionate about the Vikings, concerts --her favorite was Queen, crafts, flower gardens--especially pansies, hummingbirds, and quilting. With her sweet and gentle nature, she loved animals, and they loved her back. 

She was up for nearly any challenge working side by side on almost any project, whether it was Construction, Remodel, plumbing, Electrical, Farming, or any other job Gordy dreamed up. 

Jacque was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, embodying the true essence of kindness, empathy, and selflessness. Her love knew no bounds, and she cherished her nieces and nephews endlessly, delighting in every moment spent with them. The bond she shared with her two sisters was a source of strength and joy, enriching their lives with laughter, love, and unwavering support.

In 2012, the arrival of Camilla, a foreign exchange student from Norway, added a new dimension of joy and love to Jacque's family. Camilla seamlessly integrated into their lives, quickly becoming a third daughter to Jacque and Gordy. Her presence brought new perspectives and enriched their family dynamic in ways they could have never imagined. In recent years, Jacque's heart overflowed with even more love with the arrival of her grandson, Nikolai. She cherished every precious moment spent in his presence. Her role as a grandma was one she embraced with boundless affection, showering him with love.

Jacque had a spirit for adventure, and she had an insatiable "travel bug" that led her to explore the world with gusto. Alongside Gordy, her partner in adventure, she ventured to far-flung destinations, with a recent excursion to Egypt standing out as a testament to their shared wanderlust.

While Jacque treasured exotic destinations, she also found immense joy in family trips around the United States. Her adventurous spirit knew no bounds, and she embarked on journeys that took her to 49 states, each one offering new experiences, friendships, and cherished memories. Along the way, she reveled in the opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with family, and forge lasting bonds with loved ones.

Jacque's zest for life was evident in every step she took, every smile she shared, and every adventure she embarked upon. Whether exploring distant lands or reveling in the simple joys of home, she approached life with an open heart.

As Jacque's journey on this earth comes to a close, her legacy of love, kindness, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she may no longer walk beside us, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us as we navigate the paths ahead.

Jacque's departure leaves a void in the lives of all who knew her, but her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.  May her soul rest in eternal peace, knowing she was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Jacque was preceded in death by her mother Joyce.

She is survived by her husband Gordon “Gordy”; daughters Taylor (Stephen Labs), Andi (Stephen Youngberg); her"adopted daughter" Camilla (John) Havkrog-Clemmer and grandson Nikolai; father James "Jim" Kays; sisters, Jolene (Kevin) Wojahn and Jodi Kays (Jon Kobberdahl); nieces and nephews, Sydney, Lilly, Molly, Emily, Olivia, Becky, David, Cassie, Callan, Kyle, Devin, and LeSean; father and mother-in-law Jerrold "Jerry" and Mary Ann Nordby; sisters-in-law, Lori (Randy) Kollar, Connie Nordby (Mark Larson), and Karie Nordby; many other relatives and countless friends.

A Celebration of Jacque's Life will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at the Family's New Shed (Across the road from 6847 Brunswick Road - Braham, MN 55006).

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm with Pastor Julie Beck officiating.

All are invited for a meal and continued visiting immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials are preferred to the Family.  Please support the Go Fund Me for Jacque's Family  https://gofund.me/e08acd73

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