Joan E. Nordenstrom, age 86, of Cambridge died unexpectedly on September 8, 2018 at her home. The Memorial Service will be held 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 14th at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 1450 – 237th Avenue NE, East Bethel with visitation 1 hour before the service at the church. Visitation also on Thursday from 5 – 8 P.M. at Strike Life Tributes in CAMBRIDGE. Memorials to Samaritan’s Purse preferred in lieu of flowers.
Joan Elisabeth Carlberg was born to Andrew and Agnes Carlberg on February 23, 1932, in Stanchfield Township, Isanti County, MN. Joan was confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rush Point, MN and graduated from Rush City High School in 1949 giving the commencement speech as the valedictorian of her graduation class. Joan put herself through both Augsburg College and Gustavus Adolphus College obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English.
Joan married Conrad Nordenstrom, Jr. on June 8, 1957. They moved from Minneapolis to their farm in Isanti in 1958. Joan worked at North Branch High School for 32 years in the English Department in addition to earning her Master’s Degree in Education from St. Thomas University.
Joan is survived by sons John (Monica), Paul (Kim), Dale (Diane); brother Curtis Carlberg; sister Cathie (John) Noreen; grandchildren Jared, Dana, Logan, Drake, Greta (Alex), and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Agnes Carlberg; husband Conrad Nordenstrom; son Mike Nordenstrom; brother Adar Carlberg; sisters-in-law Lorraine Carlberg and Muriel Carlberg.
She was a sweet lady. I enjoyed getting to know her at Riverwood Village where she was living. Her children and daughter in law showed her such love and devotion.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Lost my dad in January, so I can relate to the pain. Blessings to you, Paul, & your family. Lori Larson
Joan had an amazing sense of humor and was a wonderfully talented teacher. It was my pleasure to work and learn from Joan for a number of years at North Branch HS I wish I could make the Service, but I will be out of country. My deepest Sympathy to the Family and Friends of Joan
My sympathy to Joan’s family. I had the pleasure of knowing Joan as a teacher at NBHS. She always appeared so calm amidst the chaos that came with working with teens . Joan was a wise woman.
In this time of sadness my thoughts focus on remembering the family of Andrew and Agnes and their fine children, all of them. As youngsters, I along with my brother Richard and sister Karyl, spent idyllic days provided for us at the Carlberg farm near Goose Lake, memories we have cherished over many decades. Our hearts go out to you, Joan. We love you, all of us.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ~ Matthew 11:28-30