Kolbjorn "Kob" Thomas Nordli

Kolbjorn “Kob” Nordli, age 76, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on March 12, 2026, in St. Paul.

Kob was born on May 11, 1949, in Montevideo, Minnesota, to Thorfinn and Elizabeth (Anderson) Nordli. He graduated in 1967 from high school in Cottonwood, Minnesota, where he was known as an outstanding athlete, a passion for sports that stayed with him throughout his life. Kob served in Army as an M.P in the Vietnam War. He later pursued higher education at the College of St. Thomas, earning a business degree in 1980.

Kob dedicated 37 years of his professional life to 3M, where he worked in information technology and computer services. He was deeply knowledgeable and forward-thinking in his field, always eager to help others better understand the rapidly changing world of technology.

In 1972, Kob married the love of his life, Karen (Schloegl) Nordli. Together, they built a life centered on family, music, education, and shared values and a love for animals. Kob had a deep love for music and education, passions that ran throughout his entire family. Music filled their home, and learning was always encouraged and celebrated.

Kob was known for his humble and generous spirit. He was the kind of person who never needed to be asked for help, he simply showed up and did what needed to be done. A devoted family man and hard worker, he and Karen rarely missed an opportunity to attend their grandchildren’s sporting events, proudly supporting them in all they did.

He had a special connection with animals, who seemed naturally drawn to his gentle nature. Kob also gave back to his community by volunteering at Lyngblomsten Senior Care Center, where he patiently taught residents how to use computers, FaceTime their loved ones, and build confidence with technology.

Proud of his Norwegian heritage, Kob embraced family traditions, especially through food and storytelling. In 2012, he experienced the trip of a lifetime to Norway, where he met relatives from both sides of his family—a journey he cherished deeply.

Kob was preceded in death by his parents, Thorfinn and Elizabeth Nordli (Anderson).

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his children, Jennifer (Dan) Schaefer and Trevor (Gina) Nordli; his cherished grandchildren, Devin, Joe, Anna, and Ronnie; his siblings, David (Carol) Nordli, Elise (Bruce) Nylender, and Mark (Susan) Nordli; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 16, at Nativity of Our Lord Church (1938 Stanford Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105), with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow, with a private family burial to take place afterward.

Kob will be remembered for his kindness, humility, unwavering support for his family, and the quiet, steady way he made the world better for those around him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church choir and Pet Haven (http://pethavenmn.org/).

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