JoDee Bardell of Polo IL, age 84 died peacefully on May, 4, 2025 in Oregon at Serenity Hospice and Home. She was born on November 25, 1940 in Des Moines, IA.
JoDee married Ron Bardell and celebrated 64 wonderful years together this past September.
When she wasn’t caring for children or spending time with her own, she loved being an active member of the Polo community. She supported the Marcos, volunteered at Second Hand Rose, and the Polo Nursing Home. She was a long-time member of the Polo Athletic Booster Club. She and Ron were the 2018 Polo Citizens of the Year. She was also an active St. Mark’s Lutheran Church member, teaching Sunday School, First Communion, and Confirmation.
Outside of the Polo community, she volunteered at Home of Hope and performed community outreach by providing hand massages to cancer patients.
Her family and friends were her biggest joy. She loved spending time with them playing cards, around the table, visiting, or taking road trips. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, encouragement, and positivity. JoDee took great pride in helping raise many kids in the Polo community and was affectionately known as “Aunt JoDee” to those she cared for. Even as adults, those same daycare kids would often stop over for advice and hugs.
JoDee is preceded in death by her daughter Vonda, parents Alberta and Hartly Golly, brother Bob, and sisters Nancy and Barbara.
JoDee leaves behind her husband Ron Bardell, sons Cliff (Amy) Bardell, Steve (Kris) Bardell, and Jeff (Mendy) Bardell, Grandchildren Nancyjo (Michael) Rongner, Tommy, Joey, Riley, Carson, and JJ Bardell, Keaton and Logan Hudson, Bryce (Tyler) Koerth, and Sage Walrath, and great-grandchildren Malone and Lola Rongner and Emberly Koerth. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and her chosen family of special bonus people.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Polo. The funeral will be held on Friday, May, 9, 2025, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at 10:30 AM with luncheon to follow. A memorial has been established for Home of Hope and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. A private graveside service will be held for her in Iowa at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
