Gloria M. Nordin, 85, of Austin, Minnesota, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at her home.

Gloria May Erickson was born July 14, 1932, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Victor and Violet (Burkhardt) Erickson. She graduated from Minneapolis North High School in 1950 before receiving her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota in 1954. Following graduation, Gloria traveled throughout Europe for 2 ½ months, and then came to Austin to teach school. She taught fifth grade for five years, first at Neveln Elementary School and then at Sumner Elementary School. In 1956, on a trip to Hawaii, Gloria was introduced to Richard Nordin at the Pearl Harbor Officer’s Club. The couple married on June 28, 1958, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Gloria and Richard raised two daughters and two sons, of whom they’re extremely proud.

Gloria enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii and Colorado, and spending time at their cabin on Leech Lake. She spent countless hours volunteering her time and efforts to benefit numerous organizations in the community as well as her husband’s profession of optometry. She served as president of the Minnesota and American Optometric Association Auxiliary, president of the American Foundation for Vision Awareness, president of the Austin Community College Foundation Board, president of the Ladies Floral Club and chairman of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation. Gloria was also on the boards of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Summerset Theater, Matchbox Children’s Theatre and Austin Park and Recreation. In addition, she served on the Austin City Council, the Austin Community Services Advisory Council, the Women’s Association of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Community College Advisory Board, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee to the School Board, Mrs. Jaycees, American Association of University Women, and Beta Sigma Phi. In her younger days, Gloria was second runner-up in the Miss Austin Pageant. She was a woman with great enthusiasm who made a positive impact on her community and was dearly loved by many. Her family and friends will miss her greatly.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Dr. Richard Nordin of Austin; her daughters, Amy (Bo) Duma of Annandale, Virginia, and Lisa (Tom) Baudler of Austin; her sons, Blake (Mary) Nordin of Hackensack, Minnesota, and Drs. Mark (Kim) Nordin of Paintsville, Kentucky; eight grandchildren; and one sister, Barbara of Seattle, Washington. She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Violet Erickson.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Karen Behling officiating. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. prior to the service. Interment has taken place in the Rose Creek Enterprise Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to Austin Symphony Orchestra, Riverland Foundation or recipient of donor’s choice. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.