Nord Swanstrom

Rev. Nord Lee Swanstrom

The Reverend Nord Lee Swanstrom, 76, of Roscoe IL, entered eternal life on Friday, May 8, 2026. Left to cherish his memory, Nord is survived by his loving husband, Harry Wicherson, his sister, Nancy Swanstrom of Rockford, brother Jim Swanstrom of Des Moines, Iowa, niece Morgan Swanstrom Hagen of Richmond, Virginia, nephew Alec Swanstrom of West Des Moines, Iowa, brother and sister-in-laws, John and Carol Wicherson, of Bellefontaine, OH, and brother-in-law Matthew Wicherson, of Bellefontaine, OH. He was predeceased by his parents, Charol and Marion (Eichman) Swanstrom. Nord never met a stranger. He leaves behind countless friends and acquaintances made during a lifetime of civic engagement and work in the church.

Nord was born in Freeport, Illinois on July 8, 1949. He was raised in Pecatonica and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Christian faith tradition at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pecatonica. He graduated from Pecatonica High School in 1967. Nord studied at Rock Valley College and Western Illinois University. Later in life, he studied at and graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary. Nord was a 33rd degree Mason, with long time membership in the A.W. Rawson Masonic Lodge in Pecatonica and Scottish Right – Valley of Freeport.

From his time growing up to the day he passed, Nord led a life of service to his community, professions, and faith. Nord’s civic involvement was considerable; he was active in various community initiatives and activities. Professionally, he was a member of and served as International President of the Association of Workforce Professionals. Later in life, his membership in the Pecatonica Rotary Club was work that brought him much joy and satisfaction. He was proud to be a Paul Harris Fellow.

Early in his career, Nord worked as a dispatcher and chief clerk for the Illinois State Police. He worked in the office of Winnebago County Clerk of Courts. In 1978, he entered politics to run as a candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives, representing northwest Illinois. He won his first election by 7 votes, earning him the name of “Landslide Swanstrom.” He served two terms, then went on to serve as director of the Freeport and Rockford regional offices of the Illinois Department of Employment Security. He retired from the State of Illinois in 2010.

Nord possessed a strong and abiding faith, firmly rooted in the Lutheran Christian tradition. Finally acting on a calling long present in his life…and with encouragement from Harry and a few trusted clergy members…Nord embarked on a second career when he entered and graduated seminary and become a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He was ordained in Rock Island, Illinois in May 2013. “Pastor Nord” served as interim pastor at Capron Lutheran Church, Capron, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Rockford, and Zion Lutheran Church, Belvidere, before being called to serve with the good people at First Lutheran Church, Pecatonica. Nord reveled in his role as pastor, loving and nurturing those who he pastored and those who pastored him. He believed this to be his highest calling.

Nord’s life was well lived!
May we all be inspired by his sense of determination, kindness, joy, and love.

Visitation and time to greet family and friends will be Friday, May 15th, from 4PM to 7PM, at McCorkle Funeral Home - Pecatonica Chapel, 203 West 5th Street, in Pecatonica.

The Celebration of Life and Funeral Ceremony will be held Saturday morning, May 16th, at 10:00AM, at First Lutheran Church, 627 Taylor Street, in Pecatonica. The service will be livestreamed at: https://mccorklefuneralhome.com/obituaries/nord-swanstrom

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift, in Nord’s memory, to:
• First Lutheran Church, 627 Taylor Street, Pecatonica, IL 61063
• Pecatonica Rotary Club, PO Box 151, Pecatonica, IL 61063
• Wartburg Theological Seminary, ATTN: Development Office, 333 Wartburg Place, Dubuque, IA 52003