Martha Nordmann

Martha Nordmann, age 72, passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. She had a kind soul and a vibrant personality that brought a positive light to all who knew her.

Born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, raised in Virginia, Minnesota, and a graduate of Roosevelt High School in Virginia (class of 1971), Martha went on to earn a B.S. in home economics and teaching from Iowa State University in 1975, where she also met the love of her life through the ISU Pep Council. Married in 1974, she and her husband, Brian, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 3 – a milestone marked by love and laughter.

After college graduation, Martha poured her energy into the community. She began with teaching in the classroom and volunteering for organizations like Meals on Wheels and the March of Dimes. Her passion for supporting students led her to volunteer at the Eden Prairie High School Career Resource Center. Her trusted presence within the school quickly led her to become the administrative assistant to the principal. She held that position for 25 years, served as president of the support staff union, and became that welcoming smile and familiar face that everybody knew.

Beyond the school walls, Martha expressed her creative spark through her interior design business, Inner Homes. With a natural eye for transformation, she had a special gift for seeing the hidden potential in a room – often making small changes that made a big impact. Her creativity flowed into every corner of life: her heartfelt poetry, sewing projects, gardening, a cozy home, and the joy she found in decorating.

She cherished the deep, lasting friendships she built through work and the social circles she kept, spanning many states. She always took the time to ask how you were doing, stayed in touch, and sent a kind note. Martha “Oma” also loved to spend time with her 9-year-old grandson, Rockford “Rocky,” which brought out the biggest smiles and laughter in both of them.

Martha lived fully in every season, embracing the outdoors with boundless energy. From downhill ski racing and horseback riding early on, to golfing, hunting, fishing, water skiing, snowmobiling and traveling, she was always in motion. She especially loved her summers at the cabin on Lake Vermilion and falls on Pelican Lake, both where the days were filled with family and the simple joy of being surrounded by nature.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Byron Sr. and Rosemary Rowell, and her sister, Mary. She is survived by her husband, Brian Nordmann Sr.; son, Brian Nordmann Jr.; daughter, Rebecca Freise (Adam); and grandson, Rockford Freise (age 9); her sister, Kathryn Hahne (Jim); brothers, Byron Rowell Jr. (Luann) and Dwight Rowell (Siobhan); as well as many extended family members and friends who will carry her memory forward.

Martha’s life was one of grace, grit, creativity and heart. She left a mark on every life she touched – and that mark will be felt for generations to come.