Patrice Ann Nordstrand

Patrice Ann Nordstrand, age 74, of Northfield, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Northfield Retirement Community.
Patrice was born on April 6, 1951, in Vancouver British Columbia Canda to Art and Polly Nordstrand. Art was serving his first call as a pastor. Patrice grew up in multiple locations: Walnut Creek CA, San Diego CA, Amarillo TX, Goose Bay Labrador, Lompoc CA, Wichita KS. She graduated from Augsburg Lutheran College in Minneapolis, MN and Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, IL.
She was ordained in 1977. Her ministry spanned 18 years in parish ministry and 24 years in specialized ministry. Congregations she served were Luther Church of Atonement in Grand Terrace, CA, Bethel – Trinity Lutheran in Bovey-Coleraine MN, College Lutheran in San Diego CA, and Faith Lutheran in Yucaipa, CA, Whittier CA. Patrice served at Luther Seminary – Contextual Education and Walnut Village Anaheim CA, Chaplain.
As a young girl Patrice loved reading her fathers library of Theology. She was captive in her love of God and serving. She was a pioneer being among the first women to be ordained in the Lutheran Church in America. She graduated seminary in 1977 but wasn't ordained until 1978 because many congregations didn't want to have a woman as their pastor. This influenced her early call opportunities and while doors were closed initially, time and the heart of the church changed. This did not deter her but made her more resolved to lead in the church. Patrice's 44 years of ordination touched the lives of countless people in Minesota and California. She spent the last half of her ministry at Walnut Village as a full-time Chaplain working with residence and studying spirituality.
She met her good friend, Gerri Licke, in Minnesota. When they both moved to California, they both reconnected. They decided to share a house in Corona, CA and traveled with Patrice's parents around the world. Patrice and Gerri both retired and moved to Dundas MN. Patrice loved life. Her interests were joy, laughter and good humor.
Patrice is preceded in death by her parents, Henry Arthur and June Pollyanna Nordstrand. She is survived by her brothers, Mark Nordstrand and David (Mary) Nordstrand; niece, Sara (Noah) Bricker; and best friend Gerri Licke.
Funeral services will be at 11 AM, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Northfield. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will follow the funeral at the church. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Northfield, following the reception.
Arrangements are with Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com