John Jacob Nordland, Albert Lea, died on July 26, 2006 at the age of 83 years, due to complications with emphysema and pneumonia. A memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, at First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea. The Rev. John Holt will officiate. Interment will be at Moscow Lutheran Church Cemetery in Moscow Township. Military honors will be accorded. There will be no visitation, instead family will be available one hour prior to the memorial service. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to Moscow Lutheran Church Cemetery, Peace and Power, Diabetes or Kidney Foundation.

John was born December 20, 1922 to Tim and Ethel (Hanson) Nordland of rural Albert Lea. John was baptized and confirmed at Moscow Lutheran Church in Moscow Township. He was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church. John went to school in Moscow and attended Albert Lea High School till grade 10, which was when he enlisted for the army. John grew up on the family farm with his parents and siblings Cliff, Don, Floyd, Dorothy, Margaret and Fern.

John was a cabdriver before he joined the service and fought as one of Darby’s Rangers in World War II as a P.F.C. in the 1st battalion, Company A. He fought in North Africa, Anzio Beach and further on in Sicily.

On June 17, 1945 John was united in marriage to the love of his life, Claire (Cafone) Nordland. They lived in Jamaica, New York till they moved to Minnesota, where they had residences in Albert Lea and Clarks Grove. They raised two children, Renee and John. In 1974 John became the legal guardian to his niece, Tina Haapala.

John was employed by Dickema and other construction outfits, but later was a self employed carpenter. He also was an agent of the Carpenter’s Union. After retirement he continued working at Streaters and County Market.

John was all about his family. He was always happy to be surrounded by loved ones, and in later years he took much joy in seeing his great-grandchildren. John loved laughter and was always telling jokes, especially Norwegian jokes. In his younger days, he and his wife were avid bowlers and golfers. John also enjoyed swing music, church, crossword puzzles, and eating peanuts. He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion and the Elks Club.

John was preceded in death by his loving wife Claire on February 13, 2001. They were married for 56 years. He was also preceded by his parents; brothers Don and Cliff Nordland; sisters Mrs. Dorothy Gates, Mrs. Margaret Mittag and Mrs. Fern Haapala; a daughter who died at birth; three brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his brother Floyd Nordland; daughter, Renee Hunter of Beaver Dam, Wis.;

son John Nordland II (Julie Anderson) of Albert Lea; and niece, Tina Haapala of St. Paul. Grandchildren: Elizabeth (Jim Westover) Mayberry, Rebecca (Josh) Beaudry, Joshua (Hope Sherron) Brua of Beaver Dam Wis., Aaron Brua of Clearwater, Fla. and Nissa Nordland of Albert Lea, great-grandchildren: Alesha Talamantes, Tre Mayberry, and James Westover: Taylor, Tanner and Carter Beaudry and Angel Anderson.