Jeanne Norberg, aka wife
I have been married to John since 1980 were both news columists. I joined Purdue University in 1985, serving first as director for University News Service for 24 years and the director of Public Information and Purdue spokesperson.
I am retired now. And, to read (edit) John’s columns before you do. I like some his sentimental ones best.
Jennifer Compton, daughter
I am the Mom of three oldest grandchildren in columns, Jake, Matty and Kirsten. Jake is now a computer scientist, Matt a doctor, and Kirsten an opera singer.
Here’s a column that takes us back to our sports days: They play and I cheer.
Matt and Lisa Petrin, son and daughter-in-law, parents of Alex and Anna
We live in Wilmington, Del., but keep up with John’s columns each week by e-mail. Matt owns a pre-school, and Lisa is a nurse practitioner in mental health. We were married May 2010 and now have two wonderful, energetic children, Alex and Anna. What you read about the Girl Scout cookies was one of Matt’s crowning achievements and there’s still plenty he hasn’t admitted to yet.
Kole Norberg and Nora, son & daughter-in-law
Also known as Beth or Elizabeth in columns. I hold a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology and research learning. I also do my best to make sure this site continues to function. In 2022, I married Nora and we live in Pittsburgh. When I was younger I wasn’t fond of my dad publishing my personal moments, such as getting a new bike, in the paper. That’s when asked him to go cover fires, like a normal reporter, instead of writing about me. As I grew older I saw how writing allowed my dad to share the his gift with others. Now, sometimes I even write about him.
Jacob “Jake” Nordland, grandson
In 2016, I graduated from Purdue University with a degree in computer science and now live in Minneapolis. When I was 10 I exclaimed that had been waiting my “whole life” for a laptop, and now I’ve built my own. Even though I’m striking out on my own, I still enjoy playing golf with Granddad. I give Granddad plenty of material for his column.
Matthew Nordland, grandson
In 2023, I earned an M.D. and now practice family medicine in Indianapolis. I also just bought my first house.
I still enjoy Purdue basketball games and playing golf with my Granddad. When I was young, Granddad told me was somebody!
Kirsten Nordland, granddaughter
I am an artist, just like Granddad. I am a classically trained vocalist and earned an MFA in 2023 from Bowling Green University. I travel the world singing opera. I enjoy going to plays, the opera, art museums, and fancy dinners with Granddad and Grandma. Even the not so fancy dinners are fun. Sometimes he gives me good advice, but I don’t always take it. Here’s one he wrote when I was born, and another when I started school.
Alex and Anna Petrin, grandson & granddaughter
Alex is youngest grandson. He was born in June 2012 and was learning fast and in EVERYTHING! Now he’s superheroes aficionado. He looks a lot like his Daddy. He also discovered this site when he was surfing the web before anyone could point it out to him.
Anna arrived in January 2014 and is, frankly, gorgeous like her mother. On the one the hand she loves Disney princesses but on the other is fearless and ready to take on world.
The only thing more fun than watching them, is watching their Mom and Dad with them.