DONALD NORDLUND

1948 - 2023

DONALD ERNEST NORDLUND Donald Ernest Nordlund, 74, of Shevlin, Minnesota passed away March 3, 2023, after a four year battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by family and friends. Don was born on May 27, 1948 in Littlefork, Minnesota to Carl "Ernie" and Helen Nordlund. He was one of 4 children, the beloved brother of Linda, Mary and Jodi. He lived in the heart of Northern Minnesota, playing and working in the woods with his dad. Being in the forest shaped his love of nature and lead to some of his favorite pastimes, like hunting, camping and woodworking. He attended Littlefork-Big Falls High School and loved science, math and history. He participated in many sports, but playing football with his cousins was his favorite. Don joined the photo club which would prove to profoundly shape his life. After graduation in 1966, he enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force base in Texas for 3 years. In 1969 he was deployed to Vietnam as a photographer. Don was honorably discharged in 1970. He obtained the rank of Sergeant. In 1970, Don enrolled in Rainy River Community College where he worked as a photographer for the school newspaper. On assignment for an artist demonstration, he took photos of the student artist, Ruth Ann Larsen, who later became his wife on April 29, 1972. They attended Bemidji State University together and graduated with teaching degrees in 1974. Don began his teaching career in Oklee, MN as a Social Studies teacher. Later, they moved to Bagley, where Don taught history, geography, social studies and worked in Special Education. Throughout his teaching career, Don also worked as a photographer taking wedding photos, family and senior portraits. In 1998 Don earned his administrative degree and worked as the Mahnomen High school Principal for one year. He returned to Bagley Schools as the Elementary Principal, a job he loved. He officially retired in 2006, but continued to work as a Guardian ad Litem for the 9th Judicial District, Co-Director of the Naytahwaush Community Charter School, Behavior Interventionist at the Red Lake School and Special Education Coordinator at the Chief Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School in Bena. Don and Ruth Ann had two children Michelle and Daniel. Don was a wonderful husband, father and grandpa. He taught his family and friends many life lessons: to be compassionate towards others; change is a part of life; hard work pays off and have faith things will work out and be okay. He was the calm in every situation; he was the one we called for advice, he was the one we trusted. Don loved family traditions: Memorial weekend gatherings with family and friends, fishing with his kids and grandkids, hunting, and maple syruping. The door to their home and lake cabin were always open. Friends and family were invited to have a meal, sit by the campfire or take a ride on the pontoon boat. Don was active throughout the community. He valued the many relationships made through the church, photography club, and Veteran's group. As soon as you met Don, you were a friend. We loved his sense of humor, supportive nature and kind heart. We will miss him. A visitation service will be held at Cease Family Funeral Home in Bagley, Minnesota, beginning at 5pm with a prayer service at 6:30 on Thursday, March 9th, 2023. Funeral services will be at 2pm March 10, 2023, at Clearwater Lutheran Church in Shevlin, Minnesota with visitation 1 hour prior. Don would say to wear whatever you want to his service, but feel free to wear your favorite flannel shirt in remembrance of Don. He is survived by his wife Ruth Ann Nordlund, daughter Michelle Nordlund, son Daniel (Sarah) Nordlund. Sisters Linda Nordlund Langeness, Mary Belanger & Jodi Nordlund. Brother-in-law Robert (Premjit) Larsen. Grandchildren Aiden Hanevold, Carleigh Hanevold, Lauren Hanevold, Ryker Hanevold, Grayson Nordlund, Aubrey Nordlund and Everett Nordlund. Nieces & Nephews, Marci and Patrick Boes, Kelly and Alan Fagerstrom, Jennifer and Harsha Veeramachaneni, and Jeffrey Langeness, numerous great nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by a special great nephew Abe Fagerstrom, his mother Helen Nordlund and father, Ernest Nordlund. Military Rites will be accorded by the Irvin Blix American Legion Post #16 of Bagley, MN. Don requested that any memorials be given to the Clearwater County Food Shelf, Clearwater Lutheran Church or the Clearwater County Historical Society.