Edward Hakes Nordland was born on May 3, 1944 in Clarinda, Iowa to Louis and Margaret (Hakes) Nordland. He started at Lincoln Elementary in Miss Moore’s kindergarten class in 1949. The following year he began at McKinley Elementary and then attended Clarinda Junior High and Clarinda High School.
During those years, he loved to spend the weekends and summer vacations with his sister, Nancy, at his grandparents’ farm in Hawleyville. This is also when Ed began attending Nebraska football games with his dad. This love of the team continued all his life and was a joy he shared with his own children and grandchildren later in life.
Ed was involved in football, basketball, and track throughout his high school career. A point of pride was their Hawkeye 8 Football Championship in 1961. Ed loved to show the cinder scars in his knees from his times when the high hurdles got the best of him. He was happy to share his hurdling skills by racing with daughter Holly when she was in high school. Things did not go so well when son Andy was a high school athlete and Ed decided to show him how to throw the shot put. Back surgery and 12 weeks on the couch followed that incident.
Following high school graduation in 1962, Ed joined the Army National Guard. He did his training at Ft. Ord, California and served until 1966. Upon returning to Clarinda, he graduated from Iowa Western Community College.
In 1963, Ed married Sally Peterson. He enjoyed a special relationship with his new father-in-law, Doc Pete as well as his new brother-in-law, Kris. Daughter Holly arrived in 1964 bringing the special joys of having a daughter along with the challenges of being a twenty year old parent.
Ed assumed all responsibilities at Nordland Insurance following the death of his father, Louis, in 1965. He was fortunate to have the assistance of Minnie Johnson as he gained the skills to continue the success of the business. She stood by him for the rest of her life and they shared a special bond.
Son Andy arrived in 1967. Ed shared his love of all sports with his son including taking him to Clarinda and Nebraska football games and the Drake Relays. They also liked to take fishing trips together with his friend Peder and Grandpa Peterson in Minnesota.
His nephew Judd was born in 1969. Uncle Ed tried to be a role model and be a constant source of love and guidance for Judd.
In 1974, the family moved out to the farm. Ed grew corn and soybeans and raised cattle. He never minded all the hard work because it reminded him of all the special times he had spent with his grandfather. During these years the family enjoyed hosting Clarinda A’s players at their home. He was a positive influence on the lives of these young men.
Collecting Ford cars and memorabilia began at this time. It was a passion of his for the rest of his life.
Being a grandfather was a joy that began with the arrival of Jared Edward in 1994. Granddaughter Taylor was born in 1998. He was so pleased to have them in Clarinda to be a part of their daily life and activities that were special to them.
In 2002, Ed married Maggie Frey. He welcomed her family into his life. He liked to make Maggie laugh and she brought happiness to him.
Ed enjoyed mentoring youths and young business people. He had at least one story ready for every occasion and every location!
Ed was a lifelong Clarinda resident and he understood what a blessing this community was in his life. He will be remembered for helping those in need and being a good friend.
Ed is survived by his wife, Maggie; daughter Holly and son-in-law Pete Stansbury, all of Clarinda; son Andy and daughter-in-law Karla of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren Jared Stansbury and Taylor Stansbury; his sister Nancy of Perham, Minnesota; and nephew Judd Gibb of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Maggie’s daughters Robin (Matt) Ja
Earlier in the day we had ridden with Beth & Steve when they drove some of the country south of town. They stopped and got several bunches of Bitter Sweet.
One small portion of the Bitter Sweet on our coffee table, atop collection of part of the rocks Phyllis picked up while on our extended trip in 2013 to the west coast and north west.
At right is Mark Woldruff, Phyllis Miles, Bob Brown, Steve and Beth Gregory visiting in front of Bob's place -- our neighbor to the west.
More later, Lynn
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