Obituary: LeRoy (Lee) A. Nordgren

Oct. 10, 1935 – Sept.13, 2023

LeRoy (Lee) A. Nordgren, 87 years of Baileys Harbor, passed away Wednesday evening Sept. 13, 2023, at his home following a short illness.

Lee was born Oct. 10, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late Carl Roy Alvin Nordgren and Evalyn Johanna Anderson Nordgren. Lee graduated from North Park Academy in 1953. At a young age Lee showed an aptitude for music, in particular the piano. This would follow throughout his life playing with groups around Chicago and Door County. He recognized this musical gift and was so grateful to share it with so many.

On Oct. 15, 1960, he married Nancy L. Glenicki at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Andersonville on Chicago’s north side. While living in Chicago, Morton Grove, and then Glenview, Illinois with their family, Lee and Nancy were always active in the Lutheran Church. In Morton Grove, Lee and Nancy actively participated in the resettlement of 5 young Vietnamese refugees, several of whom are still close personal friends to this day. Lee and Nancy’s support of international people continued in Door County where they participated in the Bridges Program and served as American family to fourteen J1Visa students over a seven-year period.

Lee began his working career as a buyer for Montgomery Ward and then was a manufacturer sales representative for a private firm. He eventually formed his own sales company in Glenview, Illinois and continued his business after moving to Door County full-time in 2003. Lee enjoyed his work until his retirement in 2021.

Lee was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor and served as the church pianist and leader of the praise band team for 17 years. Lee’s love of music was evident to all who knew him. His musical abilities and performing were still in demand until a few weeks ago when his health began to fail.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; two daughters, Laura Nordgren of The Villages, Florida; Lisa (Arvid) Eiesland of Glenview, Illinois; two grandchildren, Kjell Eiesland of Chicago, and Erika Eiesland (Matt Biscan, fiancée) of Highland Park, Illinois.

Preceding Lee in death were his parents, and brother, Philip.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor with Rev. Gary Scharrig officiating. Friends may call at the church on Sept. 28, 2023, from 1 pm until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lee’s name.

“Lee will be remembered for his integrity, honesty, generosity, and being an imaginative dreamer with a wonderful sense of humor.”

Casperson Funeral Home of Sister Bay is assisting the family with arrangements. Sign online registration, offer condolences, share pictures and memories at caspersonfuneralhome.com.