Obituary/Timothy Willard Nordin, 77

Timothy Willard Nordin, 77, of Karlstad, MN, passed away peacefully at Karlstad Senior Living on Sunday, July 12th, 2026. Timothy Willard was born to the late Bill and Geneva (Thompson) Nordin on April 27th, 1949, in Hallock, MN. It was said that he and Ken Sylskar were mixed up in the nursery, but Geneva knew better by Tim’s crooked little fingers, so all was well. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at First Lutheran Church in Karlstad, MN, where he was a life-long member and taught Sunday School, as well as teaching the Bethel Bible Series to several congregational members. He graduated from Karlstad High in 1967 where he was very active in all sports and music. Tim loved baseball and was known to throw a very fast ball. He was a huge fan of the MN Twins, MN Vikings, and the Gophers. He attended Bemidji State, majoring in Business. He was then drafted into the US Marines in 1969 and honorably discharged within the same year.

Tim first worked on his Uncle Isaac’s farm along with his cousins, Richard and Robert, in the summers of his younger years. He later worked as a transport truck driver for several years with many different companies. After retiring from trucking, he worked for the Kittson County Sheriff’s Department as a 911 Dispatcher and Jailer until retiring in 2012. Tim was a 25-year retiree of the Karlstad Fire Department, Tri-County School Board Member, as well as a member of both the Karlstad American Legion and Karlstad Eagles.

Tim met the love of his life in 1973 and married Susan Shablow on August 24th, 1973. Together, they shared almost 53 years, welcoming 2 children into their lives, Jason and Monique, who meant the world to him. His very favorite pastime was visiting and sharing stories. He loved to read anything about the history of our country or just about anything by James Patterson, watch his “War Movies”, and work through the daily crossword puzzle and jumble in the Grand Forks Herald. He loved to play golf and shared many helpful tips with his golfing friends and taught each of his kids and grandkids his favorite game. He also loved to bowl and was the only one to bowl a perfect 300 game at the Lake Bronson Bowling Alley. Tim loved going hunting, and deer hunting was his favorite. Deer season was a favorite time of the year for him, joining many of his friends on the big hunt. When he could no longer hunt, he enjoyed visiting out at the hunting shack, and later at the many fish fries out at Mark’s with all of his hunting friends, including his best friend, Jeff. Tim treasured his time with all of his grandchildren. Being a Grandpa was his favorite role, loving every minute of it.

Tim is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Monique (Jared) Hagen, of Alexandria, MN; step-son Jason (Renee) Carlson of East Grand Forks; his 6 grandchildren, Tristan, Macyn, Isabella, Gracyn, Brayden, and Gavin; 2 sisters, Nancy (Ken) Pagnac of Grand Forks, MN, and Kathy (Nathan) Britten of Karlstad, MN, as well as many other relatives and friends. Tim will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Blessed be his memory.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Lutheran Church in Karlstad on Saturday, August 1 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements by Austin Funeral Home, Hallock.