Ordell Nordseth, 85

Ordell T. Nordseth, 85, of Farmington, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Jan. 10, 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen; children Thomas (Patricia), Randi (Ronald) Royce of Farmington and James (Shelley) of Vaughn, Wash.; grandchildren Andrew (Laurie) Nordseth, Kristine (Anthony Mingo), Pamela Nordseth, Jeffrey (Kerry Ann) Holubar, Joseph (Jessica) Holubar, Stephanie (Steven Orth), Shanda Royce, Jens Nordseth; great-grandchildren Erik Nordseth, Dylan and Ava Mingo, Dannalyn and Darissa Orth.

He graduated from Canton High School, Canton, S.D., in 1940. In 1943, during World War II, he joined the Army Air Force and became a pilot for the Air Transport Command, and during the Korean War, he was a pilot for the Air Defense Command.

He married Helen M. Barry in 1945, earned his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Minnesota in 1949 and purchased his first farm in 1953.

Ordell lived and raised his family in rural Farmington. He flew for North Central/Republic Airlines for 30 years and was fondly referred to as “Nordy.” He had a full life flying for the airlines, raising his family, farming and raising beef cattle. In December 1972, he and his crew were involved in a fatal airplane crash in Chicago, Ill. He was awarded the ALPA Gold Medal Award for Heroism for entering the burning aircraft and helping passengers evacuate.

He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion. His involvement with the Republic Airline Retired Employee Group and the Sitting Ducks along with his many years of service working with the North Central Credit Union credit committee gave him great pleasure.

Ordell and Helen loved to travel and enjoyed numerous cross country trips in their travel trailer. They spent many winters as “snowbirds” in sunny Arizona. In later years, the computer became his hobby and he spent hours and hours at his desk. Farmington Lutheran Church was a very important part of his life as well, in fact, they were just honored for being 50-year members.

The love for his family, friends, and Christian faith was always present. He lived his life with grace, dignity and honor. He will be greatly missed and forever loved.

His funeral service Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, at Farmington Lutheran Church (651-463-4100), 20600 Akin Road, Farmington, Minn.

White Funeral Home, Farmington, 651-463-7374.

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