David Lee Nordlund, age 92, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home in Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Life and Legacy
David, known to many as Dave, was born on May 5, 1933, in Siang Yang, Hupeh, China to Rev. Joel C. Nordlund and Dorah Lindahl Nordlund, who were Mission Covenant Missionaries. Tragically, Dorah passed away a few months after Dave’s birth. In June 1934, Dave returned to the United States with his family. On August 19, 1956, he married his lifelong love, Dorothy Rohlfing.
Career and Contributions
After settling in Randolph, Kansas, Dave completed high school and continued his education at North Park College in Chicago, where he met Dorothy at a skating rink. In August 1954, Dave was drafted into the Army, serving for two years in the field of telecommunications. He married Dorothy Rohlfing in August 1956.
Dave’s remarkable career included working for Univac, where he wrote computer programs for tracking missiles on U.S. Naval ships. In December 1969, Dave and Dorothy moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where he served as Associate Director of the Kansas University Computer Center until his retirement in 1998. He continued to share his expertise through private network consulting for local school districts, the Kansas Library Association, and several attorneys in Lawrence. During his time at KU, Dave was also a key member of the KanRen team, helping to lay the crucial groundwork for internet access throughout Kansas.
Faith and Service
Dave’s lifelong passion was serving at the First Baptist Church of Lawrence. He managed all sound technology and computer equipment for the church and taught Sunday School for many years, reaching students from high school age to senior adults.
Survivors
Dave is survived by a large and loving family, including:
· Son: Don and Suzy Nordlund, along with their four children and spouses and one grandchild
· Daughter: Debbie Detter, her late husband Bill Detter (who passed away in 2023), their two children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild
· Daughter: Dava and Travis Cooper, their four children, their spouses, and seven (eight) grandchildren
· Brothers: Paul Nordlund, Wes Nordlund, and Ted and Jeannine Nordlund
Preceded in Death
Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Dottie) in 2025, and his sister, Grace Mowrer.
Services
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM,
Followed by a service at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Dr., Lawrence, KS 66049.
Livestream available, please contact davidnordlund2@gmail.com for a link.
Legacy
Dave’s laughter, smiles, and engaging conversations will be dearly missed. His legacy lives on in all those who knew him.
Memorial Contributions
The family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church – Lawrence, sent in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Gail Brewster hired me as a student as I worked at LMH at night. Right next to Gail’s office was a desk for a retired director.
“Ahhh, that’s cute! Old guy can’t let go and they are letting him have a desk in the basement.” Dave was never there.
I got a full time job in the Network Control Center. I got to find out about Mr. Dave Nordlund. He carried three beepers at all times. He was aware of incidents on KUView before we in the NCC knew about them and the KUView monitor was right in front of us.
I watched smart aleck, highly intelligent students try to throw down with the old man in IT and get dunked on.
I learned very quickly to shut up when Dave was around and keep him talking. Take notes. He was an encyclopedia.
What you thought was the latest and greatest was something he had already dissembled and put back together.
Networking worshipped the man. Two years into “retirement”, he was still the most essential employee.
He never called you stupid when you richly deserved it. He would say, “(Random network guy at KU) wouldn’t think that was a good idea.”
He did Scouts and worked voting locations as a volunteer. He was KANREN.
He was a good man. I’m honored to have known him.
Dave was a dear friend, a mentor, and a valued colleague for many years. I’m grateful to have known him and worked alongside him as well. My condolences to the family.
Oh my! I know Jerome appreciated Dave so much at the Computer Center! And we enjoyed Dottie too so much!