Obituary of Michael Nohrenberg

Michael Joseph Nohrenberg, who touched people throughout his life with his kindness, humor, and generosity, died on February 21, 2015 from cancer. Michael was born in Eugene, Oregon to Lucille and George Nohrenberg and later became big brother to his sister Peggy. Michael was a graduate of Sheldon High School and a lifelong Duck fan. He worked in customer service and purchasing for local manufacturing companies including Merco, Monaco,Vanguard Technology, Inc., and, most recently, Advance Cabinet Designs. A big part of Michael’s life was his involvement with the Active 20/30 Club, where he built lifelong friendships while working to improve the lives of local children. For over 30 years, “Boom Boom” Nohrenberg expressed his passion for fireworks while bringing joy to the community through spectacular fireworks shows. After a lifetime of diabetes, Michael received a kidney and pancreas transplant in 1998. Every day he sent up a prayer of thanks for the unknown donor who gave him the gift of life. In gratitude, he volunteered for Donate Life Northwest ever since. With his first wife, Judy Hytinen, Michael had three children who were the center of his world: Ryan, Branden, and Sarah. His great joys were loving and enjoying them as they grew into wonderful adults – and the bonus was being Gramps to Ryan’s children Aiden and Jackson. Michael met his second wife, LaVena (Secrest) Nohrenberg, while volunteering at Donate Life Northwest. They married in 2006 and have filled every day with joy, love, and gratitude. Michael is survived by his wife, LaVena; children Ryan (Amanda) of Ridgefield, WA; Branden (Hannah) of Forest Grove; and Sarah of Portland; grandsons Aiden and Jackson; parents George and Lucille of Eugene; and sister Peggy Hensley of Springfield. A memorial service will be held at Feb. 28 at 2:00pm at Westlawn Memorial Funeral Home, 225 S. Danebo Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402. His ashes will be spread in a private ceremony at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Active 20/30 Club Foundation, PO Box 1965, Eugene, OR 97401, www.eugene2030.org or to Donate Life Northwest, PO Box 532, Portland, OR 97207, www.donatelifenw.org. Arrangements entrusted to West Lawn Memorial Funeral Home. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com