Margret Helena “Sue” Cordes, age 86 of York, NE, died Saturday, May 16, 2026. She was born on May 10, 1940, to Joseph and Alvira (Cornelius) Martin in Grand Island, NE. She was a 1958 graduate of Grand Island Senior High School.
She attended Kearney State Teacher’s college for 2 years where she obtained her teaching certificate. She was united in marriage to Robert Lee Cordes on November 12, 1960, in Grand Island. The couple settled in York. Margret taught school at Willard Elementary School before staying home with her children. She worked many part-time jobs during this time, including substitute teaching, and tutoring. Once her kids started school, she began a career at Norm Green Realty. When Sundstrand Aviation opened in York, she was hired as the receptionist, where she eventually worked her way up to human resource manager, where she worked until retirement.
She was a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church, serving in multiple roles. She proudly served on the York Public Schools Board of Education for 8 years. She was a member of PEO, volunteered with York County CASA, Look Good Feel Better, Relay for Life, and Meals on Wheels. She loved traveling, cheering on the Big Red and following all the activities of her grandchildren. Sue was passionate about living out her faith and loving others, which is evident in the number of lives she touched.
She is survived by her children Debra (Bill) Jadlowski of Ralston, NE; Martin (Jennifer) Cordes of Elkhorn NE, Kent (Teresa) Cordes of Kearney NE, and daughter-in-heart Renae (Pat McCarthy) of Grand Junction, CO. Also left to cherish her memory are 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by brother-in-law Dr. Eugene (Shirley) Cordes of Newtown Square, PA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother John Martin and his wife Joyce, Sister Ruth Skeen and her husband Byron, parents-in-law Elmer (Ike) and Ruby Cordes, and son Keith.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026 at the Faith Lutheran Church in York with the Reverend Ben Francisco officiating. Interment will follow in the York’s Greenwood cemetery. A visitation will be held from 1-8:00 p.m. Thursday with her family greeting friends from 6-7:30 p.m. that same evening all at the mortuary. Memorials may be directed to the church or CASA for York County.