Reuel Byron Nordenberg

1927 - 2019

Reuel Byron Nordenberg 1927—2019
Reuel Byron Nordenberg, 91, of Rockford, passed away Friday, February 1, 2019. He was born July 10, 1927 in Rockford, the son of Joseph and Mathilda (Hagemeister) Nordenberg. Following graduation from Rockford East High School, Reuel joined the U.S. Navy to serve in World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. He met Betty Johnson in Belvidere where they were married on December 11, 1948. Rockford became their home where their three daughters attended the same schools he attended in his youth and where he enjoyed cheering on E-RAB sports teams. Reuel's occupation was industrial tools and supplies sales. He enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for sports with customers and missed that after retiring. He was a volunteer with Rockford Rescue Mission and picked up food donations for their kitchen. He was an animal lover and took great pleasure from feeding backyard birds and other animals, viewing wildlife with family in Colorado, and caring for many family pets through the years. Memberships included the Masons, Tebala Shrine Temple, and the Drum and Bugle Corps. Reuel was a member of the First Evangelical Covenant Church, and until becoming ill, enjoyed serving as an usher. Survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Cheri (Ted) Greenlee of Anguilla, UK, Jan (Gene O'Rourke) Nordenberg of San Diego, CA, and Sue (Mark) Ponsor of Boulder, CO; three grandchildren, Justin and Tyler Ponsor, and Sarah Greenlee; four great-grandchildren, Micayla, Kolecyn, Nicholas, and Lucas; and great-great-grandchild, Cyprus. Predeceased by his parents; son, Paul Howard Nordenberg; and brother, Howard S. Nordenberg.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 25, 2019 at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 316 Wood Rd., with Reverend Dr. Peter Dibley officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:45 in the church prior to the service. Private burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the church.