Lars Nordberg

With great sadness we share the unexpected passing of Lars Nordberg, age 58, of Rochester, Michigan, beloved son, brother, father, fiancé, uncle, community and business member, who left us on August 31, 2025 at his cherished retreat of Lost Lake Woods Club in Lincoln, Michigan. Lars was born in Pontiac, Michigan on December 5, 1966, to John and Dianne Nordberg and grew up in Lapeer, Michigan. He attended Lapeer East High School and Michigan State University. As a child, his great loves included hunting frogs at his childhood summer home at Lost Lake Woods Club, making fiddle fern bow and arrows, picking berries (once surprising a bear!), spotting deer, going on hay rides, listening to his favorite band “Boston,” and playing the great sport of tennis, which he continued to play well into his later years. As an adult, Lars purchased his own retreat in the woods at Lost Lake to create wonderful memories with his son, John Thomas, to whom he was devoted.

In 2008, Lars joined the long-time family business, Whims Insurance Agency, in Rochester, Michigan and soon became an impactful member of the Rochester community as a member of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Rotary and the Rochester Fraternal Order of Eagles. He and his son found immense pleasure in playing tennis, attending rock concerts, entertaining friends, traveling and spending time outdoors recreating at the cabin in the woods and at their favorite hidden beach at Negwegon State Park.

Lars made a lasting impact on everyone he met and had a knack for turning strangers into friends and friends into family. He was a man who lived life to the fullest with a personality that could light up any room. He was always ready with a helping hand and left a legacy of kindness and laughter that is remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Lars is survived by his son, Johnathon Thomas Nordberg of Rochester, MI; mother, Dianne Nordberg of Lapeer, MI; sister, Kiersten Steel [Don] of Colorado Springs, CO; niece Makayla Shoup of Denver, CO; life partner Hollianne Cieslinski of Rochester, MI and many aunts, uncles, and cousins residing throughout the US.

He is joined in heaven by his father, John Stewart Nordberg, grandparents Edith and Milo Nordberg; Frances Klix Huegli (nee Whims) and Herman Klix and uncles Armand Nordberg, Mark Nordberg and Thomas Klix.

Details for a Celebration of Life will be shared once finalized. Lars was a vibrant, funny and caring man and is deeply missed by all who knew and loved him – his Whims team, his friends and most of all his family. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated during this very difficult time.

Cremation arrangements were made through Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln.