Jamie Cardwell

Jamie “Jamer” Cardwell, 57, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Essentia Health – Grace Home in Graceville, MN. 

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Sioux Historic Pavilion in Ortonville, MN, and a service will begin at 5:00 p.m. 

Jamie “Jamer” Kay Cardwell was born on October 10, 1968, in Sioux City, IA, to James and Rosey (Ehrp) Adkins. During her childhood, her family moved several times before settling in Graceville, MN, when Jamie was 12 years old.

While attending school in Graceville, Jamie was actively involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, dance, and Future Homemakers of America (FHA). During her senior year, she met the love of her life, Bradley “Brad” Cardwell. The couple married on May 28, 1988, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chokio, MN. At this time, Jamie would welcome her stepson, Deven Curtis. He brought so much joy to her life, a blessing from God. On August 31, 1989, Brad and Jamie welcomed their second miracle, Branden Steven “Bouks”, and on April 4, 1992, their third miracle was born, Logen Bradley “Loggie”.

Throughout her life, Jamie worked in a variety of positions, always bringing dedication and warmth wherever she went. In 2012, she began working for Titan Machinery in Graceville, a place that felt especially meaningful to her because her stepfather had worked there for many years. She considered Titan Machinery a second home.

In December 2017, Jamie fulfilled a lifelong dream when she purchased the convenience store in Clinton and proudly opened Jamer’s One Stop. As a child, she often said she wanted to own a gas station and live in an apartment above it with her 12 children. While she never had 12 children, she was blessed with 12 grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Jamer was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer on October 3, 2023. She courageously fought the disease for two years and eight months with strength, grace, and determination.

Known for her generous spirit, infectious smile, and love for others, Jamie treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, family, and friends. She especially enjoyed making memories with her “littles,” sharing laughter, stories, and unconditional love. Her kindness, strength, and devotion to those she loved will be remembered by all who knew her.

Left to cherish her memory are her best friend and husband, Bradley “Brad” Cardwell of Ortonville, MN; their children: Deven (Megan) Patterson of San Antonio, TX; Branden (Miranda) Cardwell of Clinton, MN; and Logen (Brooke) Cardwell of Tintah, MN; her twelve little people “grandchildren”: Tucker, Abbegail, Braylee, Jozey, Brantley, Brayden, Remy, Lakota, Braycee, Hunter, and Colton; her mother, Rosey Ehrp of Morris, MN; sister, Michelle (Mark) Ekren of Morris, MN; brother, Jeff (Lisa) Adkins of Atwater, MN; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; special mom, Kathy Binger; special Arizona family; and special friends: Mindy Arndt and Tami DeSautel.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Adkins; her stepfather, Norman Hamner; Godson, Eric Podtburg; cousin, Steven Shepersky; grandparents: Kenneth and Margaret Adkins, Gerald Ehrp, Paul and Justine Hamner, and Harvey Podtbug; father-in-law, Gary Cardwell; niece, Natasha Mae Fester; and her beloved four-legged daughter, LillyBug.