Obituary of Thor H. Nordwall

Thor H. Nordwall, age 98, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2020. Born on April 7, 1921, in Sweden, Thor emigrated to St. Paul with his mother when he was four, to join his father who had come two years earlier. Thor’s life was long and full of adventure and good times with family and friends. He grew up in St. Paul and joined the Army in 1942, serving in Europe during WWII, most notably as part of a group which set up a communications network for the troops during the U.S. invasion at Normandy, in June, 1944. After raising his family, and retiring from the Bell Telephone company at age 55, Thor began the work of fulfilling his dream of building a log cabin in the woods near Ely, Minnesota. With the help of family, neighbors and friends, he spent the next few years on the project, overcoming many obstacles along the way. But, as the quote from Samuel Johnson posted above the cabin door states, “Nothing will be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.” During these years, he was also a dedicated volunteer at Camp du Nord, including a stint on the board of directors, where he was a key member of the group involved in the camp’s early development. In 1988, he married Audry Delano, who loved the cabin as much as he did; they spent as much time there as possible, skiing and hiking with friends, hosting holiday meals cooked on the wood stove and toasting the New Year with their famous glogg. They also enjoyed many trips abroad over the years. Thor loved his family, his friends (who are legion), and his cabin...and sometimes a small glass of wine at the end of the day. He will be remembered by all for his warmth, kindness, and good hugs. Thor was preceded in death by his daughter, Raleane Kupferschmidt; and brother, Roy. Thor is survived by his beloved wife, Audry; his three sons, Kurt (Julie), Karl (LouAnn), Kris (Heidi); son-in-law, Allen Kupferschmidt; and Audry's children, Richard (Betty) Delano and Carol (Rod) Quick; 10 beloved grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bari Campbell, Barbara Wojahn and Ronald (MaryJo) Nordwall. IMPORTANT UPDATE: Thor's Celebration of Life will be a Virtual Memorial Service and can be viewed live on Saturday, April 18th, 2020 at 11:00AM (or anytime after) on the Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/GustavusAdolphusLuthChurchSaintPaul. Alternative viewing options can be found on their website: www.gachurch.org under "Recent News & Events." Memorial donations can be made to YMCA Camp du Nord, Lakewood Salvation Army Adult Day Center, or Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church. PLEASE NOTE: If there are any changes to service date or times, we will update the website as soon as possible. *If you or someone you know has been sick, is feeling sick, or if you suspect you could have been exposed to COVID-19, please refrain from attending for the safety of others. Older adults and people with severe underlying health conditions are at greater risk of more serious illness after contracting COVID-19…. If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19, it is extremely important for you to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease by avoiding crowds and staying home as much as possible (www.cdc.gov). In addition, we ask that EVERYONE who plans on attending follow these guidelines for your safety and the safety of all those around you: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating and drinking or preparing food. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Avoid handshakes and limit other gestures that put you in direct contact with another person. Stay home if you are sick. Thank You.