Nordeene Alton Haldorson

Nordeene A. Haldorson passed away on May 17, 2023, at The Pillars of Mankato where he had been living with his wife, Mary Lou.

Nordeene was born on October 2, 1933 to Albert and Martha Haldorson in Freeborn County, Minnesota. Nordeene attended country school for 8 years and then attended Austin High School in Austin, MN. He graduated from Austin High School in 1951. He received an Associate Degree from Austin Junior College in 1953 and attended the University of Minnesota for 1 year, prior to military service. In 1957, he graduated with a B.S. Degree from Mankato State University, followed by a Master’s Degree.

Nordeene taught in Buffalo Center, Iowa from 1957-1959. He also taught in Faribault and at Mankato High School. He retired from Mankato East High School in 1993.

Nordeene served in the United States Army as a medic for two years. He was stationed in Wildflecken, Germany, and he also played baseball throughout Germany.

He coached baseball in Faribault for 3 years and at Mankato High School and Mankato East for 31 years.

Nordeene married Mary Lou Hagedorn in 1960. They have two children, Jane and Michael, and three grandchildren, Ian and Greta Schwickert, and Eleanor Haldorson.

He was a member of the Lions Club, the Minnesota State Baseball Coaches Association, and served as President and Secretary of the local Y’s Men Organization. He was inducted into the Mankato East Hall of Fame and also received the Jim Dimmick Retired Coaches Award. He was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church and the Sons of Norway.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; daughter, Jane Schwickert (Kent) of Kasota, MN; son, Michael Haldorson (Julie) of New Brighton, MN; three grandchildren, Ian and Greta Schwickert and Eleanor Haldorson; brother-in-law, Richard Hagedorn of Creswell, OR; sister-in-law, Janet Haldorson of Austin, MN; plus many nieces and nephews.

Nordeene was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Mel and Obert.

Nordeene was an honest, fair, and loving man. He was a real Norwegian who loved his lutefisk and made sure his family loved it, too, even if it took an occasional bribe!  He was known as Nord to many, Opi to his grandchildren, and will always and forever be known as Coach Haldorson. Heaven just received an All-Star!

The family wishes to thank Brighton Hospice, Generations Child and Memory Care, and The Pillars Memory Care for their care and support during his illness.

Memorials may be given to Brighton Hospice (Brighton Hospice, c/o Nordeene Haldorson memorial, 4500 Park Glen Road, St. Louis Park, MN 55416), Christ the King Lutheran Church (222 Pfau Street, Mankato, MN 56001), or Mankato East High School baseball (Mankato East Athletics Office, c/o Nordeene Haldorson memorial, 2600 Hoffman Road, Mankato, MN 56001).

Memorial service will be held at 2pm, Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato. Following the service, a reception with light refreshments will be served at church. Private family burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.