Gary Boyd Nordahl passed away on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 at the age of 77 in Helena, MT.
Gary was born on May 31, 1937 in Lewistown, MT to Guy and Neva (Rowton) Nordahl. Guy and Neva later divorced. When Guy married May Zeisman, she became a second mother to Gary.
On June 30, 1956 Gary married Dorothy Duke in East Helena, MT. Gary and Dorothy had 2 children: Mike (Jeanette) Nordahl and JeanAnn (Tim) Scheuer. They were blessed with five grandchildren: Trent (Cassandra) Scheuer, Tony (Vanessa) Nordahl, Michael Nordahl, Dustin Nordahl, and Nichole Nordahl. Also the blessing of three great-grandchildren: Christopher Scheuer, Elizabeth Scheuer, and Payton Nordahl and numerous pet grandchildren.
Gary’s brothers and sisters are Harley (Pat) Zeisman, Marva (Don) Luraski, Rodger (Sheila) Nordahl, Donna (Wally) Roarke, Gayle (Jim) Howard, and Karen Morgan.
Gary retired as a Sergeant Major after 39+ years in the military. During his service, he organized the Montana National Guard Honor Guard; led the Montana Pistol and Rifle Team; was a charter member of the National Guard Service Club and past member of the Board of Directors. Gary was instrumental in organizing the Montana National Guard snowmobile club (naturally it was called The Mountain Doers). He helped organize the Prickley Pear Sportsmen’s Association. Gary was past-president of the Eagles Lodge #16; life member of Grand Aerie of Eagles; 32nd Degree Mason with Algeria Shriners and past commander of the Legion of Honor; a past member of the Board of Directors for the Penkay Eagles Manor and a member of the East Helena Valley Rodeo Association.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Guy, May, and Neva; infant grandson Michael, and sister Karen Morgan.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held Saturday, April 11 from 1:00 – 4:00 at the National Guard Service Club at Fort Harrison. Light snacks will be provided with a no-host bar.
Memorials to Gary can be made to the following charitable organizations: Wounded Warrior Project, c/o MT Supporting Soldiers, PO Box 4964, Helena, MT 59604; Spokane Shriner’s Childrens Hospital, 911 W 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204; or the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.
Gary was a very special and talented man and a great leader and supervisor. He had an unconditional love for his wife, kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Gary had many cherished friendships beyond measure. While his family and friends are left with great sadness, they are also left with wonderful memories and the tremendous fortune for having had the opportunity to love and be loved by Gary.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Saturday April 11, 2015
Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Saturday April 11, 2015
Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Don Slaybaugh says
So sorry to hear of Gary passing.
My most sincere sympathy to Dorothy and family.
Dan and Sandi Benson says
We are saddened to hear this news. Gary was truly a wonderful individual. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding. “God Bless”
Keith & Gale Kramlick says
So sorry for your loss. Wish we could be at the service, but we will be out of town. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Ryckman says
my thoughts and prayers are with the Dorothy and the rest of the familyfamily todayand Gary was such a great person someone that was so fun to work with and really was a credit to the National Guard.rest in peace my friend
Connie MacDonald says
Dorothy and Mike I am so sorry the loss of Gary. I will always hold fond memories of going to the ranch with the McIntosh’s as a teenager to help with all the hay bales and in the recent years you coming into the VFW. I always enjoyed our talks…You will be missed by many..
Tony Nordahl says
Tony Nordahl: I will never forget all the lessons I learned from you grandpa. I remember the time at the house when I refused to get up one morning. You walked in and threw water on my face as I layed there! You were gracious enough to have a towel handy so I could dry off my face. You had such a shit eating grin on your face. I was very mad but couldn’t help but smile because of your reaction. Guess What!? I got my ass out of bed. I was in middle school at the time and I remember you telling me, “The hardest part about getting out of bed in the morning is putting your feet on the ground after that its easy.” I still live by those words today. I love riding bulls and bucking horses, but something about knowing that you were watching me gave me that little something extra. Your handshake and smile made it all worth it. That’s no bullshit either. I wish I wouldn’t have been so selfish for a lot of those years as I missed out on many holidays and vacations with the family. I guess for me it was about finding my own way in one way or another. Make no mistake about it though my hero’s have always been cowboys and you and my father are at the top of the list. Happy Trails Grandpa and cant wait to see you again………