David Renhold Nordberg's Obituary
David Renhold Nordberg was born to Swedish immigrants Ernest and Augusta Nordberg on June 26, 1926 in Spokane, WA. He passed suddenly on July 18, 2016 at St. Anthony’s hospital in Gig Harbor. As the eighth child and last son in a poor family Dave was expected to leave school early and earn his own living. Dave entered the Navy before he turned 17, and served on a transport ship as an electrician’s mate during World War II. After the war, he returned to help his family, then living in Yelm, WA. There, Dave attended a local church where he met and fell for the “beautiful and smart” Elva Osborn, a lovely 18 year-old-redhead whom he enthusiastically pursued. They married in 1948. Together Dave and Elva raised three children, Dr. Kim Nordberg, Dr. Rod Nordberg, and Nita Nordberg Casad. On their gentleman’s farm in rural Tacoma they cultivated an enormous garden and grew their own beef. Dave worked in Lakewood as a barber, eventually opening his own business, Dave’s of Lakewood, and added women’s hairstyling to his repertoire. Dave had a heart of service, often visiting nursing homes and retirement communities to cut hair for his older customers—those who could no longer visit the shop. Dave worked the business until 2001, when he retired to Lakebay, WA and the waterfront home he and Elva had built together.
Dave and Elva both loved Jesus, and were deeply committed to their church, Tacoma’s Life Center, where they were members for more than 40 years. After moving to Lakebay, they joined Chapel Hill Presbyterian in Gig Harbor. Dave served both congregations in his own quiet way; he was a regular usher and greeter, welcoming fellow believers into the church service. His warm handshake and big smile gave joy to many. In retirement, Dave served local food banks, including the Key Peninsula Community Services, (where he was nominated for Volunteer of the Year). He regularly drove the Tacoma route collecting donated food from local grocery stores. Serving others was a key part of Dave’s life.
As the years passed, Dave treasured time with his children and in-laws (Bette Nordberg, Lynn Nordberg, Daniel Casad) grandchildren (Dr. Eric Nordberg (and Sophie), Molly Nordberg Kerns (and Jeff), Dr. Maggie Nordberg Gustafson (and Matt), Dr. Peder Nordberg, Kaitlyn Casad Body (And Daniel), and Annie Casad Fabian (And Brock) and great-grandchildren (Ryleigh, McKenna, and Danika Body. Eva and Paxon Kerns. And, David Nordberg). In retirement, Dave practiced woodworking, building cabinets, tables, quilt racks and furniture, as well as turning bowls, pens, and seam rippers. In his late eighties, Dave enjoyed YouTube woodworking videos and downloaded free patterns from his favorite woodworkers. Every Christmas, Dave brought something he’d made to share with everyone.
Because of Dave’s faith in Christ, his family shares great joy in celebrating his well-lived life and endless future with his Savior. A public memorial celebration will take place at Chapel Hill Presbyterian, Gig Harbor, September 17th at 1 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Bible Fund at Chapel Hill. A private internment will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery. Though David will be dearly missed by all who loved him, his family treasures many great memories and looks forward to the day when we shall all be reunited.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?