St. Charles man remembered as a hero

Editor's note: As a matter of philosophy, the Daily Herald does not photograph funerals without permission of the family except in extenuating circumstances, such as the death of a public official. In this case, we asked the family of Martin Jordan for approval, and when it was granted, we were as inconspicuous as possible in photographing the services.

A hero can be a person who commits an act of selfless bravery. A hero can be someone who dedicates his career to helping abused and neglected children. A hero can be a great dad and loving husband. Marty Jordan was all of those at the same time.

The world grew less significant Friday for family, colleagues and friends who packed St. Peter Catholic Church in Geneva to say goodbye to Jordan. The 45-year-old St. Charles man died Aug. 1 while saving five young relatives, including his oldest son, from drowning in Lake Michigan when a rip current sucked them out into deep waters and crushing waves.

Family members bawled through light rain and gray skies as Jordan's casket arrived at the church. Jordan was a cornerstone of his family. Many present needed someone else's arm around them as a guide to walk through tears that shook their bodies as they found their seats.

"Part of me these last few days wanted to just stand here today and say, 'Marty Jordan died a hero,' and go back and sit," said Monsignor Kenneth Velo, who delivered the homily. "In a sense, that would be enough. He understood what this life was about. Those who lay down their lives for others are those who are most happy. Marty was a hero for life."

Indeed, the funeral was filled with memories of Jordan's feats as a social worker, volunteer youth coach and charitable fundraiser. All those efforts came not because it was his job or responsibility, but simply because Marty Jordan loved to do them.

Jordan was born into a family of 10 children that only grew larger as he and his brothers and sisters grew and started families of their own. Siblings said Marty always made individual time for each relative no matter how large the family celebrations became. That included Marty Jordan's final family vacation in South Haven, Mich., and his last efforts in the lake waters.

"When I went into the water, I said to Uncle Marty, 'I'm here Uncle Marty," his 9-year-old nephew Jordan Mattas wrote in remembrance. "He said to me, 'Jordan, you're a good kid.' I will always remember that. Whenever I saw my uncle he would give me a big hug and make me smile."

Friends recalled Jordan was a man who not only asked how they were doing, but remembered and helped with their troubles. Jordan's wife, Maureen, and their three children recalled their husband and father the only way they could with heavy hearts. As Jordan's casket was loaded back into the hearse, Maureen Jordan and her three children huddled. Pained looks transformed into tears as the doors closed. Tears became a group hug. And as more relatives and friends joined that hug, it became perhaps the best tribute there could be to the impact Marty Jordan made on all who knew him.

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