Dixie (Lundin) Ortley

Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, Minnesota  56003
507-388-2288

Dixie Lee Ortley (Lundin) completed her earthly journey on August 14, 2018.  After a full and well-lived life, Dixie passed away of natural causes at her Mankato home which served for years as the gathering place for her 4 surviving children; Barbara Jacobs (Randy), David (Lori Jo), Linnea Ortley-Yetter, Rebecca Haley (Joe), her 12 grandchildren, and her 16 great grandchildren. Dixie is also survived by the children’s father, Don Ortley.

Dixie was born in Pecos, Texas, on June 6, 1935, to Hilding and Cora Mae Lundin while Lundin Brothers Construction was working in Texas. The family returned to Mankato where Dixie attended Franklin Elementary School and Mankato High School, graduating in 1953. During this time Dixie forged relationships with classmates who would become her life-long friends.

Dixie and Don were married in 1954, and soon left Mankato as Don pursued his teaching career after graduating from Mankato State. Dixie and her young family lived in Minneapolis, Rochester, and settled in Menomonie, WI. While in Menomonie, Dixie became involved in the Mabel Tainter Theatre which lead to a lifetime commitment to community involvement wherever she lived.

In 1966, Dixie and her family embraced adventure as they set off for Malawi, Africa, where they lived for three years. While in Africa, Dixie worked with the American Red Cross and the Save the Children Fund. Before returning to Mankato the family travelled in their VW camper throughout Europe for two months.

The Ortley’s returned to Mankato in 1970 where Dixie lived for the remainder of her life.  Dixie joined Hilding and her brother Dick in the operation of the family road construction business- Lundin Construction Company. Dixie’s love of people, and her commitment to her community, was manifested in later years when she worked for many small, local, family owned retail clothing and jewelry businesses.

Dixie was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, past President and board member of the YWCA, a member of the Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does, an active and proud supporter of the early foreign student program at Minnesota State University, and a longtime member of the Mount Olivet Cemetery Board.

Dixie was proud of her Scandinavian roots and her community. She enjoyed the company of her lifetime friends; playing bridge and socializing.

Dixie will forever be remembered for her steadfast commitment to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her home was center of all family activity, a refuge from life’s strive, and a place to go for a kind word of encouragement, a great meal, and a healthy dose of love. While her absence has left a permanent void, her love and life lessons will live on for generations through those whose lives she touched and made so much richer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Richard “Dick” Lundin; son-in-law, Denny Yetter; and great grandson, Jase Jacobs. 

At Dixie’s request cremation has taken place. A celebration of Dixie’s life will take place on Saturday, November 3rd, at 11:00 a.m. at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary; 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato. Visitation with Dixie’s family will take place on Friday, November 2nd from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Northview, and one hour prior to the celebration on November 3rd.  Interment will take place in a private family service at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Mount Olivet Cemetery, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, or VINE Faith in Action of Mankato.