Delores Nordstrand

Delores Jane Nordstrand was a creative woman who delighted in beauty. She captured it on canvas and explored it in nature. Yet, for Delores, there was no greater joy than her family. She showed deep love for her husband and children and delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She nurtured friendships, served her church, and supported the community in her 85 years of life. Delores was born at a time when America was recovering from the first World War and enjoying industrial prosperity. Harlem, New York was the creative center for jazz, literature, and art. Charles Lindbergh made his historic transatlantic flight and the right to vote in a national election was granted to women. In Muskegon, Michigan, Harold J. Gunn and his wife Violet Evans Gunn had begun their family and were expecting their second child. They were delighted by the birth of Delores Jane on February 6, 1922 but deeply saddened when their firstborn, Harold, died before he was a year old. In effect, Delores assumed the role of the oldest child and grew up helping care for her six brothers and sisters. With the births of the younger children, Delores and her brother Don remember being sent out for walks so that their mother could birth the babies in private. Even with added responsibilities, Delores enjoyed an ideal childhood. With her fathers work as a supervisor at Shaw Walker, a grocery store owner and plumber, the family had the opportunity to own a house in the country and live in their Muskegon home during the winter. From the age of six, Delores roamed and played in the large field behind their house. She gleaned an interest in outdoor and indoor activities because her mother was an avid gardener and fine dancer. As a family, the Gunns frequently visited their uncles cottage on Sand Lake, northeast of the city. It was at Sand Lake, on a summer morning that Delores met a young man with whom she would share her future. Delores was 16 when she met Roy George Nordstrand from Chicago, and the two began corresponding by letter. Over the next three years, their relationship flourished and they were married in 1941. Delores and Roy honeymooned in Minnesota and lived their first three years of marriage in Chicago. Delores had not finished high school in Muskegon (though she later earned a GED), but she found work in a candy store. That job definitely contributed to her love for chocolate, and M remained a favorite indulgence the rest of her life. In 1944, life changed dramatically when Roy was drafted into the Army. Before he was shipped overseas, Delores traveled by train to visit him in Baltimore for a brief five days. She moved back to the Muskegon area and bought some land in Twin Lake. Roy would send home his military wages home to pay for the land. He once wrote "Gee I wish I was home with you and Barbie. How is the 42 acres coming along? I wish I was home & we could get started on that house of ours. I Love you so much Honey". Unfortunately, as Delores was anticipating his return, Roy was seriously wounded near the end of the war. Their reunion was delayed as he spent a long rehabilitation in hospitals in Europe and the United States. Roy finally returned home in 1947, but the Purple Heart he earned for bravery would be awarded 50 years later. Once home, Roy and Delores began to rebuild their lives, starting with their house. They actually lived in the garage until their home was built. They welcomed five children into their hearts and home: Barbara, Linda, Beverly, Tina, and Robert. Bev and Tina were born close together, and strangers often mistook them for twins. Delores took an active role in her childrens school activities, at one time serving as hall monitor. The kids grew up with pet dogs and chickens around the house. However, it upset them to no end that their pet chickens found their way to the dinner table. More pleasant experiences were enjoyed at family gatherings and picnics. Trips up north to Mackinaw and morning breakfasts at Lake Michigan were especially memorable. When the children were grown and out of the house, Delores and Roy continued their outdoor adventures, often around Lake Superior and into Minnesota. The scenery was inspirational. Delores used her talent for oil painting and watercolor to capture the beauty she experienced in all aspects of her life. She also let her children know that, approaching her 50th wedding anniversary, she really wanted to celebrate. So they did. Family and friends gathered at Delores and Roys home for a big party. What could be better than bringing together her kids, grandkids, great grandkids and a host of other special people enjoy the richness of Delores life! In later years when she moved to Northcrest Living Center, her paintings were showcased in the lobby. Delores also made Raggedy Ann dolls for charity with a group of women from the neighborhood. She stayed active at Unity United Methodist Church, where she was a founding member. True to her nature, Delores sought out friends, often to play cards but more often to just spent time together. Delores and Roy had 54 wonderful years together before he passed away in 1995. Delores died on Monday, June 25, 2007, and will be missed by all who loved her dearly. Delores is survived by her four daughters, Barbara (James) Thompson of Twin Lake, Linda (Howard) Schultz of North Muskegon, Beverly (William) Sumerix of Twin Lake, Tina (Paulo) Adame of Norton Shores; 1 son, Robert R. Nordstrand of North Muskegon; brother, Lawrence (Sharon) Gunn of Muskegon; 11 grandchildren, Kurt & Jeff Thompson, Brenda Lucas, Tim Schultz, Tammy Bahr, Tonya Schultz, Colly Fredrick, Lance Nordstrand, Thomas Sumerix, Heather & Desiree Adame; 15 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy George; her son, George H.; grandson, Joshua W. Sumerix; 3 brothers, Harold Gunn Sr., Donald L. Gunn & Gordon W. Gunn; 3 sisters, Kathleen H. Gunn, Bonnie J. Gunn & Darlene V. Staelens. Funeral services for Delores will take place Friday, June 29, 2007, 11:00 AM at Unity United Methodist Church with Rev. Nancy L. Besemer officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon and Friday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. MEMORIAL: Unity United Methodist Church or Alzheimer's Association.