Trust fund established for children whose father drowned

Family and friends of a St. Charles man who drowned in Lake Michigan on Saturday have set up a trust fund to benefit his three young children and pregnant wife.

Those wishing to make a contribution can send it to the Marty Jordan Memorial Trust, in care of Harris Bank, 1 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174.

The fund will help support the immediate family of the 45-year-old Jordan, who died after rescuing a group of children from dangerous lake currents in South Haven, Mich., while vacationing with his family.

Jordan is survived by his wife Maureen, who is two months pregnant, and three children, ages 4, 5 and 8, relatives said.

"They're just going to need the help," said Jordan's sister, Mary Mattas, whose daughter was among those rescued. "It's so overwhelming."

Police said Jordan was overcome by strong waves and rip tides near the South Beach Pier about 6:30 p.m. Saturday after he rescued several young family members struggling in the water.

Mattas said the tragedy has brought an outpouring of support from people who have been touched by Jordan, who worked with abused children, and his wife, who is a hospice worker.

Relatives said Jordan also had hosted fundraisers for at least two families, including one for a friend who died of cancer, in years past.

"There's so many people he touched," Mattas said. "There's just overwhelming support."

Visitation is planned for 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday at The Oaks Funeral Home, 1201 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca. A funeral will follow at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=311354">St. Charles man's drowning death result of heroic effort to save kids <span class="date">[8/4/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>