In Loving Memory: Sigurd Jordahl

Sigurd Jordahl 
Sept. 6, 1931 – June 9, 2021

Photo courtesy of the Jordahl family

Sigurd Jordahl passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Millbrae, Calif., surrounded by the family he loved so much. He is survived by his son Geir (Kate), daughters Berit (Tony) and Irene (Gordon), and many relatives in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Sigurd was preceded in death by his wife, Solveig.

Born in Kristiansund, Norway, Sigurd was the youngest of five children born of Andrine Josefina (Bjerkeseth) and Sverre Jordahl. His youth was spent at the family farm at Åndal. During World War II, he lived in “brakkene” (the barracks) while the Germans occupied Norway. Immediately following the war, Sigurd went to sea as a merchant marine and worked in that capacity until the late 1950s. 

Sigurd married Solveig Ingvarda Pedersen, June 25, 1955. They immigrated with their son Geir Arild (1957) to the United States in 1961. Their daughters Berit (1961) and Irene (1963) were born in California.

He studied carpentry and accounting and was skilled in plumbing, business, insurance, and real estate. He could fix almost anything, enjoyed the garden, played the harmonica, and loved to sing and dance.

Sigurd was a Life Member of Sons of Norway. He was president of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson Lodge, and a member of the Normanna Glee Club in Oakland, Calif., and was president of Snorre Lodge, in Hayward, Calif. He proudly represented these groups at Norway Day in San Francisco every year.  

Socially engaging, adventurous, and stoic, his gregarious nature warmed people’s hearts. He prided himself on teaching life values to his children and friends. He regaled life’s experiences to anyone who would listen. Two of his favorite memories were being in the kitchen with King Olav talking about the old days and cracking jokes with John Wayne. 

Above all, Sigurd was kind and helpful to everyone. Sigurd was proud to be a Norwegian American. His friendly spirit will live on forever.

Sigurd will be laid to rest in Kristiansund, Norway, alongside his wife, Solveig.

Memorial donations may be made in Sigurd Jordahl’s name to the Sons of Norway Foundation at www.sofn.com/foundation, or Sons of Norway Foundation, 1455 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408.

This article originally appeared in the July 9, 2021, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.