Marie E Nordahl,78, passed away April 26th from heart failure at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a month long valiant struggle with her poor prognosis and health, but a strong will to live. Special thanks to all of the caregivers at the Brendon House and hospital and also the week at Lakeview Nursing Home hoping to get stronger to go back home. You all made her experience the best possible under the conditions.
Marie was born in Hubbard County Minnesota to a midwife. Her family located to Deer River, Minnesota where she attended first grade. She was embarrassed to let anyone know she only spoke Finnish and quickly learned English. She graduated from Deer River High School in 1957 where she was a homecoming queen and cheerleader. Not too long after she married her high school sweetheart, Bill Nordahl. Shortly after they followed the Tripp clan to Missoula, Montana in 1958. Marie, Bill, and two children lived in both Missoula, then Florence until the sudden death of Bill in 1970. She and the children moved to Whitefish, Mt shortly after.
From 1975-2002 she owned and operated Allen's Motel in Whitefish. She later shared she wished she kept a journal of all the many experiences and encounters through 27 years of renting rooms.
Her last place of residence was 7 miles outside of Bigfork, Mt off the Swan Highway in a house constructed by her son prior to his sudden death in 2004.
Marie loved Montana and was also a Snowbird and property owner in Arizona upon retirement.
During times of grief Marie got great comfort from animals and children of all ages. She enjoyed boating on the Flathead Lake, 50's music, snow and water skiing,and jogging through the years.
She was preceded in death by husband Bill, parents Arvid and Ida Maki, and beloved son Mark Nordahl. She is survived by daughter LeAnne Nordahl, older brother Harry and wife Marlis Maki of Hudson Wisconsin, brother Roy and wife Sandra Maki of Deer River Minnesota, and stepsister Millie Jokela of Romeoville Illinois who gratefully came into her life after years not knowing she even had an older sister.
Marie had great support and love from both her family and Bill's huge extended family through the years after his death.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Marie E. Nordahl, please visit our floral store.