Dr. Kim David & Bette Eileen Nordberg's Obituary
Kim David Nordberg, 72, and Bette Nordberg, 69, of Puyallup, Washington both passed away on October 13, 2024 after a tragic car accident.
Kim was born on February 27, 1952 to David and Elva Nordberg in Tacoma, Washington. After he graduated from Franklin Pierce High School in 1970, he studied Chemistry at Pacific Lutheran University, and then attended Dental School at the University of Washington graduating in 1979. Kim was humble, kind, and a hard worker. He was one who could both offer advice while also accepting corrections. He was not afraid of a challenge and persistent to a fault. His family, friends and colleagues held him in high regard.
Bette was born on July 1, 1955 to Charles and Eileen Roberts in Moscow, Idaho and grew up in Oak Harbor, Washington on Whidbey Island. She was the only daughter in a family of 5 boys. She graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1973, and then went on to study Physical Therapy at the University of Washington, graduating in 1977. She was cheerful, witty, intelligent, and intrinsically driven. Anything she couldn’t do, she taught herself through researching, trial and error, and consistent practice.
Kim and Bette met at the University of Washington - and married in the fall of 1975, prior to Kim starting Dental School. Bette graduated from Physical Therapy school and supported Kim as he completed his degree.
After Dental School, Kim and Bette moved to Puyallup, Washington in 1979 and built his practice where he lovingly served the community for more than 40 years. His sister later joined him as his Dental Hygienist and youngest son would eventually partner the last 11 years together. Kim served as a dentist on numerous Guatemalan dental mission trips over the past 30 years. He would later become an adjunct professor to take dental students (Loma Linda, UCLA, and USC) to serve alongside him. Kim made time to serve on dental boards such as the Pierce County Dental Association and the Washington State Dental Association and was part of multiple monthly dentist study groups that met regularly for years. Kim dearly loved his profession of Dentistry, and had plans to eventually retire, but was still actively practicing at the time of his passing. His dedication was well known within the local and statewide dental community and he was to be inducted into the American College of Dentists’ hall on October 17th, 2024. In his time away from the Dental profession he loved to be with his grandchildren, travel for scuba diving, fish, and explore the Puget Sound and Canadian Coast on his boat with Bette.
Bette left the Physical Therapy profession in 1987 to raise her 4 children full time, but forever called herself a physical therapist. While raising her children, she found a love for writing, and became a published author with 16 titles to her credit. She loved to weave, knit, sew, paint, read, scuba dive, bicycle, swim, and spend time with her grandchildren, children, and friends. All of her grandkids and children own sweaters she lovingly crafted. She was involved in 6 different weaving communities (Tacoma Weavers, Seattle Weavers, Association of Northwest Weavers, Arachne, Arachne Structures Weaving Group, and Moonspinners Weavers) and was co-chairing the leadership committee of a weaving conference this coming Spring.
Bette and Kim prioritized family time and God. They hardly ever missed church, found ways to be outdoors together, and prioritized family vacations. A relationship with God was important to both Kim and Bette and serving in church was a natural response. Their shared love of service led them to join the leadership team at the founding of Lighthouse Christian Center over 30 years ago. Bette wrote, directed plays, and taught classes. Kim taught children’s classes and eventually helped direct the building plans. Spending time at Cannon Beach Conference Center each summer also became a priority for them. For 43 years they have taken their family to Cannon Beach Conference Center to draw them all closer to God, while Kim would serve on the board of directors for the past 30 years.
Bette and Kim had many friends from their numerous interests and pursuits as well as their beloved family members. Some of Bette’s dearest friends walked daily and prayed together for over 35 years. Kim’s close friends were both a part of his professional life and personal life, and he was beloved in both circles.
Kim and Bette leave a legacy of a lifelong love of learning, serving others, loving family, and pursuing their relationship with God. We have no doubt Kim and Bette are in Heaven.
Romans 3:23-25
Bette and Kim are survived by their four children Dr. Eric Nordberg (Sophie Nordberg, David, and Caden), Molly Kerns (Jeff Kerns, Evangeline, Paxon, and Boden), Dr. Maggie Gustafson (Matthew Gustafson, Hayes, Mathea, and Calvin), and Dr. Peder Nordberg (Mandy Nordberg, Levi, Tatum, and baby boy).
Bette was predeceased by her Mother-Eileen Roberts, Father-Charles Roberts, and her brothers Don and Dick Roberts.
Kim was predeceased by his father-David Nordberg and mother-Elva Nordberg.
Services will be held at Lighthouse Christian Center in Puyallup, Washington on November 23, 2024 at 10 am. It will also be available to view on Lighthouse Christian Center’s live stream YouTube channel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Agape Ministries - Dr. Kim Nordbergs medical mission fund for Guatemala - or Cannon Beach Conference Center.
https://cannonbeachconferencecenter.givingfuel.com/memorials
You can plan your stay in Puyallup, as rooms have been set aside locally at the Holiday Inn Express (812 S Hill Park Dr. Puyallup, WA, 98373, 253-848-4900)
You may use the direct link below - or you may call the number above.
Bette and Kim Nordberg Memorial Guestrooms | Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Puyallup, WA or by calling our hotel directly at 253-848-4900.
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