Merri Dordal

Merri Wayne (Matheny) Dordal, of Stanchfield, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 81.

A proud salutatorian of the Anoka High School class of 1962, Merri went on to earn her teaching degree from the University of Minnesota. She devoted her career to elementary education, beginning in Westby, Montana, before teaching for ten years at Mississippi Elementary in Anoka and later in the Cambridge school district. She touched countless young lives through her patience, intelligence, and passion for teaching children to read.

In retirement, Merri found quiet contentment at home with her husband Keith, her beloved Boston Terrier Peggy Sue, and a steady supply of books by independent authors. She cherished simple pleasures—an occasional glass of white zinfandel, meaningful conversations, and above all, time spent with her family. Those who knew her will remember her as an exceptionally smart, well-spoken, kind, and fiercely loyal friend whose greatest joys were her family, her dogs, and helping others learn.

Merri is survived by her husband Keith; her son William (Victoria); her brothers- and sisters-in-law Steve (Carol) Dordal, Gene (Jackie) Dordal, Dale Dordal, Mary (Mark) Anderson, and Karen (Tim) Harmsen; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents William and June (Butts) Matheny, her father- and mother-in-law Jerome and Josephine Dordal, and her brothers-in-law Alton and Lynn Dordal.