Jeanne Hardy

Jeanne Karen Hardy was born September 17, 1944 in Wadena, Minnesota. She grew up on the family farm near Poplar, MN and attended country school until 8th grade. She graduated from Staples High School in 1961. While studying accounting at Wadena Technical College, she met Gorden Hardy. On March 7, 1964, they were married. In 1968 they moved to Merrifield. Their life was grounded in faith and family during nearly 62 years of marriage.

Jeanne worked at Honeywell and Potlatch in between raising her 5 kids. She chose to homeschool her last 2 children, which led to her grandchildren and several of her great-grandchildren also being homeschooled. Jeanne was a member of the Church of the Nazarene for 55 years, where she taught Sunday School, was missionary president and coordinated the prayer chain. She led many ladies' Bible studies. Her life reflected a quiet but steadfast commitment to prayer, encouragement and caring for others.

Jeanne was involved with Daughters of the American Revolution since 1981, serving in multiple leadership roles. She prepared newsletters for DAR and the Gideon Women’s Auxiliary. She was active in the Republican party most of her life.

Jeanne and Gordy were motorcycle enthusiasts. She traveled many times to Sturgis and once took a 17 day trip to Sturgis, San Jose, Seattle and Glacier on her own 850 Motoguzzi.

Jeanne liked to read, play games, sit outside and be with friends and family. One of her joys in recent years was to sit in her chair beside her husband and watch the birds and squirrels. She especially treasured visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her kind heart, quiet strength, unwavering faith and deep love for her family. She had a servant’s heart and a welcoming presence.

Jeanne is survived by her husband Gorden and 5 children: Brett (Elaine Wagner) Hardy, Beth (Joe) McGuire, Brian (Stacy Kurtz) Hardy, Julie (Andrew) Bernstrom and Michael (Lauren Anderson) Hardy. She found great joy in her 15 grandkids: Justin McGuire, Jourdan (Jeff) Suos, Jacob (Jannelle) McGuire, Jolet (Kens) Michel, Joey (Jessica) McGuire, Jonny (Patience) McGuire, Grant Hardy, Gracen (Ethan) Erfurth, Greta (Micah) McGaffey, Thomas Eberly, Eleanor Bernstrom, Alice Bernstrom, Valerie Bernstrom, Hazel Hardy and Rowan Hardy. She was also excited about her 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Russell & Mabel Wetherell, sister Barbara Wetherell, parents-in-law Harold and Hazel Hardy, brother-in-law Jerry Hardy and sister-in-law Bonnie Stangel.

At age 81, Jeanne was surrounded by her husband, children and pastor as she went home to see Jesus at 5:17 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. at Brainerd Community of Hope Church of the Nazarene, Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to a meal after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations toward Gideon’s Bible distribution would be appreciated.