Obituary of Heidi Joy Nordin

Heidi Joy Nordin was born on May 15th, 1965 in Karlstad, MN, she passed away at Our Lady of Peace hospice in St. Paul, MN on February 11, 2018 at the age of fifty-two. Heidi was an Irish twin with her older sister, Julie. Heidi was adored by her younger sister Michele, and her baby brother, Jon, and many other cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Heidi and Julie were inseparable as children, and continued to share that special bond throughout their adult lives. Heidi was a member of Open Circle Church in Burnsville, MN where she was loved by many. Heidi attended Epiphany Catholic School through ninth grade, and then graduated from Coon Rapids High School. After high school, Heidi lived in Lancaster, MN where she gained the adoration of many cousins, uncles, aunts, and several hundred new friends across northwestern Minnesota. During this time, Heidi opened her house to her younger sister Michele and helped her graduate from Lancaster High School. Heidi was a close friend to many, and a valued member of the community, including being a volunteer EMT for Kittson County. In the early 1990s, Heidi moved in with her sister Julie and Don Benick in Alexandria, MN where she obtained a Computer Voice Networking Degree from Alexandra Technical College. Heidi was pursuing her Bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University at the time of her death. Heidi moved to the East coast in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where she loved and touched the lives of so many more. Heidi relished receiving visitors when she lived out East, and it is safe to say that living out East inspired Heidi’s immediate family to visit Boston, NYC, and the Connecticut area – trips they otherwise may not have taken. When she was out East, Heidi’s love for the MN Twins intensified as she watched many younger players (Morneau, Mauer, Liranio, Span, and more) start out with the New Britain Rock Cats. Heidi enjoyed them so much that she became a season ticket holder with the Minnesota Twins when she moved back to Minnesota in 2005. Heidi was fearless, and even attended the 2000 Vikings-Giants playoff game in the Meadowlands while displaying full Vikings regalia. Heidi was an avid supporter of all Minnesota sports teams, especially the multi-championship Minnesota Lynx. Heidi was diagnosed with bi-polar symptoms and struggled with mental health issues throughout her life. Heidi learned from her mental health struggles and became a fierce advocate for others, dedicating a substantial portion of her free time in her adult life to NAMI, the National Alliance for Mental Illness. Heidi worked tirelessly to help reduce stigma over mental health, and was a passionate and inspirational board member. Heidi was the 2007 Volunteer of the Year at NAMI. In 2009, Heidi was appointed by Governor Pawlenty to the State Advisory Council on Mental Health. Heidi loved to travel, especially if it meant visiting family and friends. Heidi visited her brother Jon both when he was stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY and when he lived in Montana. Heidi also visited England to see the sights and spend time with her friend Tracy. Heidi has lived in Eagan, MN for the last several years, and held positions in IT at a variety of companies in the Twin Cities area including IBM, US Bank, and most recently Optum Health. Heidi is survived by her mother Mary Montury of Saint Paul, MN, her father Carl (Ellie) Nordin of Mesa, AZ, her older sister Julie (Don) Benick of Saint Paul, MN, her younger sister Michele (Jim) Hunter of Cottage Grove, MN, little brother Jon (Genevieve) Nordin of Edina, MN, step-sister Shelly Fuller of Mesa, AZ, 3 nieces, 3 nephews, 1 great-niece, 1 great-nephew, and 2 step-nephews. In addition, Heidi has numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who loved her and will miss her dearly. Heidi’s service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 am. Location: Open Circle Church, 2400 Highland Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337. Memorial donations may be sent to the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI MN, 800 Transfer Rd, Suite 31, St. Paul, MN 55114 or Our Lady of Peace Hospice. Our Lady of Peace Hospice, 2076 St. Anthony Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104.