Glen M Nord

Glen Milford Nord, age 86, of Fergus Falls, has entered into the joy of heaven and the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and congestive heart failure, Glen died peacefully in his sleep on January 25, 2017, at the Veteran’s Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he had been a resident since October 2014. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and gave him peace.

Glen was born on January 13, 1931, in Rothsay, Minnesota, to George and Mabel (Shirley) Nord. He was beloved by his four older siblings and four younger siblings.

Glen grew up on the family farm located four miles east of Rothsay. He attended country school. At age 17 he began working for the Rothsay Creamery, churning butter, candling eggs, and driving milk truck.

On February 2, 1952, at the age of 21, Glen was drafted into the U.S. Army. After completing basic training at Camp Pickett Virginia, he and his fellow soldiers traveled by ship first to Yokohama, Japan, and then to Seoul South Korea arriving on September 1, 1952. He served on the front line as a combat medic, helping to ease the pain and save the lives of hundreds of wounded soldiers. After earning his combat points, Glen left Korea on July 3, 1953. The war ended a few days later, and he often joked that everyone had to quit fighting because they couldn’t get along without him. Glen returned to the United States and completed his service in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Denver, Colorado. He was honorably discharged in November 1953. Glen achieved the rank of Sergeant, and proudly received the Army Combat Medical Badge and two Bronze Star Medals for heroic service.

After returning from the Korean War, Glen resumed work at the Rothsay Creamery from 1954 to 1966. After moving to Fergus Falls in 1966, he also worked for the Fergus Dairy and National Tea Packing Plant. In July 1973, Glen began working as a custodian at the Fergus Falls State Hospital (Regional Treatment Center) where one of his favorite jobs was as proctor for the many students attending Fergus Falls Community College who were living in the dormitory at the State Hospital. He retired in 1993 after 20 years of service. In his “spare time,” for over 50 years Glen truly enjoyed helping many friends on their farms, including baling hay, combining corn, topping beets, and plowing fields.

In his retirement, Glen was known as “the Bike Man” because enjoyed repairing bicycles and selling (or often giving them) to local children.

On September 21, 1957, Glen married Joyce Darlene Ackert in Breckenridge, Minnesota. They were happily married for 59 years, living first in Rothsay and then in Fergus Falls.

Glen often stated that his favorite memories were having his five grandchildren visit for weekends. He loved reading read stories to them, working on art projects, playing hide-and-go-seek, swimming at Pebble Lake, walking downtown to the Otter Tail River, and hiking along the North Shore. His grandchildren remember him as a kind, gentle, and loving grandfather who loved sharing his time with them.

Glen was an active member of First Lutheran Church for over 50 years, where he enjoyed serving as usher, delivering Meals on Wheels, and giving rides to church for those who needed transportation. Glen was an active lifetime member of Fergus Falls VFW Post 612, where he truly enjoyed participating in the Heritage Group, serving in the Honor Guard, marching in summer parades, traveling to conferences in other states, displaying flags in the Walk of Flags (he was one of the first 10 members), playing Bingo, and serving at Friday evening steak frys. Wearing a costume sewn by his wife, Glen served for 10 years as the Santa Claus for the Veteran’s Home and the VFW children’s Christmas parties. Glen also volunteered at the Veteran’s home helping with Bingo and visiting veterans. Glen was also a member of the Elks Club and the Eagles Lodge. Among his favorite past times were his daily walks to visit friends and whistle “happy birthday” at the Veteran’s Home, Broen Home, Pioneer Point, and Mill Street Residence.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mabel Nord; brothers, Harley Nord (Rothsay, MN), Orville Nord (Crystal, MN), and Arnold Nord (Alexandria, MN); and sisters-in-law, Clarice Nord, Alice Nord, Carolyn Nord, and Delores Nord.

Glen is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Joyce Nord; three daughters, Veronica (Dean) Mahler (Acworth, GA), Judith Nord (Lakeville, MN), and Kathleen (Thomas) Gehrig (West Fargo, ND); siblings, Gordon Nord (Seattle, WA), Gilman (Helen) Nord (Rothsay, MN), Melvin Nord (Fergus Falls, MN), Clarice (Olaf) Nelson (Rothsay, MN), and Margaret (Bob) Rickman (Olympia, MO), and sister-in-law Evangeline (Orville) Nord; five grandchildren, Michael (Kelly) Mahler (Acworth, GA), Jesse (Jasmine) Gehrig (West Fargo, ND), Katie (Kyle) Gehrig Sarbaum (West Fargo, ND), Samantha (Austin) Gehrig Jensen (West Fargo, ND), and Jamison Gehrig (Moorhead, MN); three great grandchildren, Connor Mahler, Brady Sarbaum, and Blake Sarbaum; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Condolences can be sent to Glen’s wife and family at 16358 Elm Creek Lane, Lakeville, MN 55044.

Glen’s family offers their thanks and eternal gratitude to the dedicated nurses and staff of the Fergus Falls Veteran’s Home for their compassionate and tender care of Glen over the last two years.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 2 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN.
Clergy: Reverend Erick Thompson
Burial: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN
Military Participation: Fergus Falls V.F.W. Post 612 and American Legion Post 30
Arrangements: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls.

Condolences may be sent online to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com .