A Memorial Service for Shari Nordlund, age 76, of Spirit Lake, will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 1:00–2:00 pm at the church.
Shari Sue Nordlund, daughter of Dale and Beverly (Tinken) Weber, was born on September 14, 1949, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She grew up in Humboldt and earned her high school diploma.
Shari spent much of her working life in education, serving as a teacher’s associate with the Gilmore City School System for 15 years. Before beginning her career in the school system, she worked as a waitress for many years. She cared deeply about her work and the people she helped, always showing patience and kindness. She retired in 2009. Shari was also an attendee of the Spirit Lake United Methodist Church.
On May 25, 1974, Shari married James Nordlund in Humboldt. Together they built a life based on love, hard work, and commitment. They lived in Humboldt for many years before moving to Spirit Lake. They shared 51 years of marriage, standing side by side through every stage of life.
Family meant everything to Shari. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, whether on the farm or at the lake. The farm was a special place where memories were made, stories were shared, and laughter was always present. At the lake, she enjoyed watching the kids play and simply being together. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment with them.
Shari shared a close and lasting bond with her sister, Sandy. She also had a deep love for her nieces and nephews, welcoming them to the farm and lake and making them feel at home. She enjoyed watching them explore, play, and grow, and she was always there to encourage them.
Shari formed a special connection with her student, John, whom she taught for 15 years. She supported him well beyond the classroom, celebrating his successes and helping him through challenges. Her teaching reflected her caring heart and her desire to make a difference.
Music was an important part of Shari’s life. She loved singing, playing guitar, and karaoke, sharing her joy through music. She also loved her horses, playing with baby pigs, and caring for her many dogs and cats over the years. She took pride in farm work like baling hay, though she was known to joke about how much she disliked walking beans. In later years, she enjoyed riding her bike on the trails.
Shari lived a life centered on love—for her family, her students, her music, and the farm she cherished. She gave freely of herself, and her laughter, songs, and loving presence will be deeply missed.
Shari Sue Nordlund passed away on February 27, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Jim Nordlund of Spirit Lake; daughter, Shelly Allison of Des Moines; sons, Ryan Nordlund of Des Moines and Shon Nordlund of Humboldt; grandchildren: Amber Stille, Garret Allison, Conner Allison, Jordyn Nordlund, Priya Nordlund, and Avery Nordlund; sister, Sandy Becker; as well as nieces, nephews, and friends.
Shari was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Beverly Weber.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
