John Arvid Nordgren

John was born on Feb. 18, 1918 in Korsnas, Finland. His parents were Vendla and Carl Nordgren. At a young age he lost his sister, Adele. They lived on a farm. He attended school in Helenelund, Finland. John served in World War II fighting for Finland.

In 1948 he moved with his parents to Astoria, Ore. He worked at Pillsbury, as a longshoreman and at the Uptegrove Lumber Mill. In 1953 he returned to Finland for a visit, and at that time he met Elfi M. West, and they married Sept. 12, 1953. She later

came to live with him in Astoria.

John worked as a custodian for the Astoria School District for 24 years. He retired in 1986.

John belonged to the Peace Lutheran Church, the Order of Vasa, the order of Runeberg and American Legion Post 12.

John loved to dance, especially the tango, and considered himself an outstanding dancer. Every Sunday John and Elfi would take a car ride and then go out for dinner. They both loved the hot springs and would go there every year. John loved to watch “Jeopardy,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Dancing with the Stars,” and politics. He also loved to tell stories, and loved old country music, such as Merle Haggard.

He is survived by Susanne Benthin and her children Jessica Defrates and Kristina, John and Jeffrey Benthin. Close friends are Jane and Art Turigliatto and their family. John and Elfi considered the Turigliatto’s daughter, Alicia, an adopted granddaughter. Also surviving are cousins Jenny Osterdahl, Elvi Agren, Gullvi Wikstrom, Elsa Walton and Helen Bowles, and sister-in-law Elly Westergard and her three sons Sven, Stig-John and Sivert, and their families.

There will be a graveside committal service at Greenwood Cemetery on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, at 11 a.m.

There will be a memorial service at Peace Lutheran Church on Friday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.