Donald “Don” Nordine, 87
Donald “Don” Nordine, 87, of Coon Rapids, Minn., passed away on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. He had many medical problems and called them “bumps in the road” and it was a very bumpy one. He finally found the Highway to Heaven and is at peace with his Lord and Savior. While he was passing, he spoke only three times; he said, “Ring” (he wanted his wedding ring), “The chariots are coming,” and “I’m coming home, Jesus.”
Don grew up on a farm in Lancaster, Minn., graduated from Lancaster High School, and served four years in the Air Force in Alaska, which he enjoyed. He worked construction as a heavy equipment operator and drove veterans to medical appointments for 10 years. Most activities were done together, including: being members of the Coon Rapids Sno-Cruisers Club, snowmobiling, deer hunting, working at the county fair, etc.
Don was always busy with some kind of project, one of which was building his own coffin out of pine. If he decided he was going to do something, it would usually happen; like three days before he passed, Nancy not out of bed, he got a McDonald’s breakfast craving, drove there, though he was weak and he shouldn’t have, and got breakfast for Nancy and himself. Don had a good personality, enjoyed family and friends, and he will be deeply missed.
Left to grieve are: his wife of 40 years, Nancy; children, Garry, Karin and Pam; two sisters, Mae and Janet (Pete); two sisters-in-law, Shirley and Barbara; son-in-law, Brian; nieces and nephews; Nancy’s children, Deb and Steve (Vantha); dog, Tiki; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: parents, Martin and Hedvig Nordine; three brothers, Dennis, Roger and Ken; son-in-law, Jesse; two brothers-in-law, Tom and Rick; infant grandson, Ryan; and dog, Pixie.
A funeral service has been held in Coon Rapids, and a graveside service, military honors, and interment will take place Friday, May 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Lancaster. Memorials preferred to the family. A luncheon will follow the service.
