Cover for Rebecca Nordlund's Obituary

Rebecca Nordlund

March 16, 1949 — May 8, 2026

Rebecca "Becky" Nordlund, 77, of Fergus Falls, died Friday, May 8, 2026 at her residence.

Becky was born on March 16, 1949, to Reverend Norman and Maxine Tungseth in Chicago, Ill. Growing up, she lived in Duluth and Blue Earth, MN, Rake, IA, and Clearbrook, MN, where she met her sweetheart, Wayne. She began attending Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, MN, for her junior year of high school with her dear friend, Diane Askeland Christenson, and was a member of the Class of '67. There she met another best friend and future cousin, Mary Erickson Rinden. After high school, she and Wayne were married in DeKalb, Ill, on August 2, 1969. They had four children in six and a half years, her youngest daughter being the reason her doctor gave for her signature "halo". Wayne and Becky resided in Hopkins, MN, before relocating to Cokato, MN in 1973, where she met another very best friend, Judy Peterson. In 1987, they moved to Mt. Bethel, PA, where Becky found her soul sister, Faye Dean. Ever the adventurers, Wayne and Becky moved to Fergus Falls in 1990, back to PA in 1994, and settled for good back in MN in 2000, following the birth of their first grandchild.

Becky grew up in a home filled with music, and she built her own home in the same way; it overflowed with laughter, love, and exuberant piano playing, bringing joy to those who listened and sang along. She had a beautiful soprano voice and could harmonize with anything. As a child and teen, she sang and played the piano at her father's churches and made regular appearances, along with the rest of the family, on his radio show. Becky served as Sunday School superintendent for years, leading music and directing many Christmas programs. She was an accomplished accompanist for Elim Mission Church in Cokato, Mt. Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Mt. Bethel, and Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN, where she and organist Cheryl Wold made a formidable duo behind their respective instruments. She was a beloved piano teacher and made many weddings and funerals lovelier with her thoughtful musicianship.

Becky was also an expert baker and cook. She was well known for her inimitable chocolate chip cookies, which sustained many a group of hungry teenagers, visitors, and her own family. Her youngest brother, Mark, preferred them uncooked so that she would set aside frozen cookie dough for his frequent freezer raids. She had a small business selling cinnamon and caramel rolls, a.k.a. "Becky's Buns," to the Dairy Queen in Cokato and the Snack Shop at Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center. Becky was the epitome of hospitable, and she and Wayne excelled at making their homes and tables inviting.

Becky loved being a mom of four through all of their ages and phases. She was even-tempered, easy to laugh with, and always present. That said, she was a consistent disciplinarian and was no pushover. She was full of fun, always up for impromptu adventures. She had a gift for creating elegant, cozy living spaces, which she and Wayne made together throughout their marriage. Becky's greatest earthly delight was being a Grandma; even when ill, she was able to give love and comfort to each grandchild. She shared her love of Jesus, music, books and tears with them, bringing a cozy warmth into their lives. Her grandchildren describe her as sparkly and warm, vibrant and thoughtful, joyful and talented, pretty and sweet.

Her dedication to Jesus gave her life its meaning. Her deepest passion was for her Savior, and she showed that in all areas of her life, through the love of her family, her service to others, and her welcoming attitude toward everyone. She had a thirst for God's Word and a desire to grow in the fruit of the Spirit. Becky studied the Scriptures and prayed without ceasing. She found her confidence in knowing she was a child of Christ.

This confidence gave her comfort throughout her illness. Becky was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2016 and was able to spend most of her subsequent days at home with her faithful, protective husband and through the care of her family. Even as her reality slipped away, she continued to give more than she took until her very last day.

Preceding Becky in death were her parents, Norman and Maxine Tungseth, and brothers, Steve and Mark Tungseth.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne; daughter, Aimee Nordlund; sons, Chris & Gina Nordlund and Ryan & Jenn Nordlund; and daughter, Melissa & Kyle Pevestorf. She is also survived by grandchildren Olivia & Ty Farnsworth, Levi & Molly Nordlund, Jonathan Nordlund, Annie Nordlund, Rachel Nordlund, Luke & April Nordlund, Mariana Pevestorf, Sarah Nordlund, Elijah Nordlund, Nadia Pevestorf, Brielle Nordlund, Mattea Pevestorf, Charlotte Nordlund, Caroline Nordlund, London Nordlund, and Natalie Nordlund. She has two great-grandsons, James and Henrik Farnsworth. She is also survived by her brother, David, and sisters-in-law Margaret Tungseth, Cordee Tungseth and Cathy Tungseth. She has numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Memorials preferred to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy or LB World Missions.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren Church in Fergus Falls, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the service.

Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren Church in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Reverends Dale Hexum and David Veum

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN at a later date

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family in memory of Rebecca Nordlund, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Public Visitation

Thursday, May 14, 2026

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren Church

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Prayer Service

Thursday, May 14, 2026

6:30 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren Church

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Public Visitation

Friday, May 15, 2026

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren Church

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Funeral Service

Friday, May 15, 2026

11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren Church

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