Obituaries : Elmer Nordstrom; Key Figure in Early Years of Store Chain

SEATTLE — Elmer J. Nordstrom, who was instrumental in the early years of the Nordstrom department store chain and the Seattle Seahawks football team, has died. He was 88.

He died Sunday of complications from pneumonia at Swedish Hospital, Nordstrom spokeswoman Kellie Tormey said.

Nordstrom had been a co-chairman of the company with his now-deceased brothers, Everett and Lloyd, until the three retired in the late 1960s.

The company began in 1901 as a small shoe store opened by their father, John W. Nordstrom, and his partner, Carl Wallin. Elmer Nordstrom and his brothers bought out their father and Wallin in 1928.

Under the brothers’ direction, Nordstrom became the largest single shoe store in the country, the company said. The chain had grown to 10 stores in the Pacific Northwest by the time Elmer Nordstrom retired.

There are now 72 stores in 11 states, featuring full clothing lines along with shoes and other items.

Nordstrom maintained an active interest in the company, working in his downtown office as recently as last week, the company said.

He also served as majority ownership representative for the Seahawks during the first six years of the National Football League franchise’s existence, 1976 to 1982.

The team was sold to California real estate developer Ken Behring and a partner in 1988.

Nordstrom also served for 57 years on the board of Swedish Hospital, founded in 1908 by his future father-in-law, and on the boards of several corporations and nonprofit organizations.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine, two sons and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.