Dorothy Nordstrom Eberle

Dorothy Nordstrom Eberle, age 93. The youngest of ten surviving children of Johanna (Gysberg) and Peter Stern, Dorothy was born and grew up in Paynesville, raised a family in Richfield, enjoyed life at Blue Lake, retired in Sun Lakes (AZ), and recently returned to Richfield, where she died on July 10, 2026.

A terrific mother of four and a devoted companion and caregiver to husbands Ken Nordstrom and Herman Eberle, she was also a second mother to many and a generous friend and volunteer. Her cooking and baking skills were legendary.

From the age of 13, Dorothy worked parttime. While raising her children in the 1960s and ‘70s, she waited tables at the Minnesota Room at Donaldson’s department store in Southdale and Ember’s on France Avenue in Edina. She also did home childcare during that time for many neighborhood families.

While she never took a vacation as a child, Dorothy traveled to several states as an adult, first in a VW bus converted as a camper and later by car. Her first plane ride at age 49 literally opened the world for her – from France, the Netherlands, and Germany, to Korea, Australia, and the Panama Canal.

Dorothy enjoyed spending time with people, whether gathering at church, playing cards, or hosting a costume party. She loved to sing – and did so loudly – in the car, in church pews, and in the church choir in Sun Lakes, even though she had a terrible voice. She had a fondness for brandy, Swisher Sweets cigars, cheddar cheese, ice cream, and red licorice.

She was stylish on a budget and embellished her outfits with accessories: shoes, purses, earrings, necklaces, and brooches. She wore red on Fridays to honor veterans and active military, and she rarely left the house without lipstick and a stylish hat.

She was preceded in death by five brothers and five sisters; husbands, Ken (“Red”) and Herman; daughter, Cathy; son-in-law, Greg; stepdaughter, Dianna, and longtime friend, Bill.

Dorothy is survived by children, Lynn Peterson, Paul (Jan) Nordstrom, and Gail Nordstrom (Jim Pratt); son-in-law, Bob Kolnik; stepchildren, Michael (Patricia) Eberle and Karen Eberle; grandchildren, Mark (Kris) Peterson, Amy (John) Lewis, Denise Peterson, Emily Peterson, Nicholas Kolnik (Kristen Ackerman), John (Chelsie) Kolnik, Samm Nordstrom (Jessica Peters), and Lucy (Matt) Rubenzer; 10 great-grandchildren, Janey Lynn (Nick), Owen, Aria, Spencer, Trinity, Gunnar, Rachel, Julie, Eddie, and Bruce; sister, Loraine (Delton) Oehlert; and many nieces and nephews.