Marie E. Nordahl, 78

Marie E. Nordahl, 78, passed away April 26, 2018, 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 Brendan 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 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 shortly after.

From 1975 to 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 seven miles outside of Bigfork 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, ‘50s 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, 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.

Condolences for the family may be submitted online on Marie’s webpage at www.austinfh.com. Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for Marie’s family.