Author Archives: Pistol Pete

February 25, 1995, a pretty woman, in a fit of madness and heavily sedated, became my lawful wedded wife. Ours has been an amazing relationship in that we’ve never had a serious fight or even a heated argument. It was not the first rodeo for either of us and we were at a time in our lives when it was just time to be with each other. We knew relationships were no 50-50; they’re 100-100 every single day. It seemed we were finishing each others sentences in a very short time, and almost instinctively know what the other is thinking. She raised a son and daughter with almost no help from their father and I consider them every bit my children as I do my two daughters. Through good times and bad we always support each other. My fervent hope is that I’m taken before she is. She’s not young, thin or rich. But she treats me like a king (except when I go off on politics) and I could not imagine ever living without her.

She came to family breakfast with us today and it was the biggest crowd ever. My cousin Pam, her daughter Carrie, cousin Trish, her sonNick, her BF, my Uncle Bob, their dad, and my precious Uncle Roger. Cousin Scott’s memorial is Saturday and we all shared stories of him from long ago happy years.

Scott David Nordstrom
January 28, 1958 ~ February 16, 2016 (age 58)
Scott David Nordstrom, 58, of Rockford passed away peacefully to eternal life on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 in Swedish American Hospital with his loving family by his side. Scott was born on January 28, 1958, the son of Robert Nordstrom and Gloria (Bird) Nordstrom. He attended Auburn High School and served two years in the U. S. Army from 1976 – 1978 training as an electrician. He held various jobs in maintenance and as a machinist. Scott enjoyed reading, watching old tv shows, telling jokes and stories, listening to music, going to Bible study at Calvary Christian Church with his sister Trish, as well as spending time with family and friends. Scott was a kind, caring, and loving man with a great sense of humor who will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his father, Robert (Jan) Nordstrom; sisters and step sisters, Pamela (Erich) Schulze, Patricia Weyl, Sheila (Tom) Klonicki, Peggy (Rick) Seeling, Teresa Moberg; two nieces, Carrie Morris, Jodi Weyl; three nephews, Andrew Heaslip, Joshua Poulton, Nicholas Weyl; four great nieces; and two great nephews. The family extends a sincere thanks to Dr. Sankineni and all of the assisting caring staff in Swedish American Hospital CCU.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2016 in Calvary Christian Church, 5455 Charles Street, Rockford with Pastor Steve Doyle officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family.

My uncle asked me to give the eulogy Saturday because he said I had a way with words. Usually I do, but there are times when the words come hard. He struggled most of his adult life and battle demons we cannot imagine. Maybe he’s finally found the peace that eluded him for so long. Rest easy, Scott.

Every Thursday is breakfast with my family day. My Uncle Bob, his daughter Trish, and my dear Uncle Roger. Today was very eerie. My cousin Scott, Bob’s only son, died Tuesday from liver failure. Scott was 61 and battled the demons of drugs and alcohol his entire adult life. He lived on the street after being taken in by several relatives including my grandmother and mom. He stole jewelry, old coins, anything he could sell to get drugs. The 8th of next month is the 3rd anniversary of my quitting smoking cold turkey after a two-pack-a-day habit for 40 years. I know how stressful it was trying to quit. I was lucky. When I decided I’d rather live to see my grandchildren grow up there were no withdrawal symptoms whatever and I haven’t had a craving since. It still amazes my doctor how I did it. It’s unimaginable what a horrible curse drugs are to the body and how they ruin people’s lives. They’ll do anything to score their dope. Rob, steal, prostitute themselves. The drugs have no conscience and no mercy.

The memorial for Scott is next Saturday. I’ll see some of the family for the first time since my cousin Bruce lost his son in a car wreck. When granny was suffering from dementia, she told me in a moment of clarity that it’s a terrible thing to bury a child. She lost my Uncle Ron and my mom earlier. You are supposed to pass at an old age, children and grandchildren around your bed. It’s not supposed to be like this.

John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

I pray that my cousin has finally found the peace he sought for so long.