February 2, 1945 - October 24, 2021
Kenneth John Nordstrom passed away on Oct. 24, 2021, at the age of 76, at I.U. Health Ball Memorial in Muncie, Ind.
Ken was born Feb. 2, 1945 in Princeton, Ill., the first child of John and Bernice (Sipe) Nordstrom. He grew up in Ill., living mostly in rural Bloomington-Normal. He graduated from Normal Community High School in 1963 and in later years, Ken proudly pointed out that at one time he actually was a “normal” person. He graduated from Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill. in 1967 and from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill. in 1970 with a master’s degree. While earning his master’s degree Ken taught junior high English.
In 1970, he moved to Iowa where his career for the next 35 years was divided between practicing journalism, teaching journalism and related subjects at the community college and college level.
As a journalist, Ken worked as a reporter for two daily newspapers; as an editor of a large weekly; as co-owner, editor and publisher of a rural weekly; as managing editor for a national membership newspaper for a non-profit organization; and concluded his career working 14 years producing two magazines for Winnebago Industries, one for motor home owners and another for dealership personnel.
He was a faculty member at Muscatine Community College, Iowa Lakes Community College, Wartburg College and Waldorf College, all in Iowa. He continued teaching night classes at Waldorf while working at Winnebago Industries.
In 1983, Ken married Joleen (Jo) Bergum. They retired in 2006 and moved from Forest City to New Castle, Ind. to be near family.
In New Castle, Ken taught night classes for IU East, was active in Raintree Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Shepherd’s Door Food Pantry and Kairos Prison Ministry. Ken was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and served on the church council.
Ken enjoyed traveling, teaching, learning and serving others through volunteer work. His greatest joy was spending time with family and with his grandchildren, whether watching their athletic and school events or just hanging out together.
Ken is survived by his wife, Jo; stepson, Mike (Sherri) Bergum; twin grandchildren, Ellen and Dillon Bergum. He is also survived by his siblings; Karen (John) Weedman, Ray (Kris) Nordstrom, Lori Nordstrom (Cindy Jewett), Judy (Scott) Myers, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Since this was a COVID related death, a memorial date and time at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Castle will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to Habitat for Humanity or Kairos, both of New Castle, or to a favorite charity. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. You may express condolences or share a memory of Ken at www.hinsey-brown.com.