Dale E. Nordby

Dale E. Nordby, 86, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the St. Cloud Hospital on Friday, October 18, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 31, 2024, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather starting at 10:00 a.m. and stay for a luncheon to follow. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd.

Dale’s life began on June 4, 1938 – and he learned early the value of family. His mom passed away due to complications of child birth and with his beloved dad often away at a logging camp, Dale spent many years with loving, caring extended family that helped raise him. When he met Joy Carlson, he knew he had found his lifelong partner. He spent the next 62 years cherishing his love of Joy – and making sure his children and grandchildren and great-grandson knew how much they were loved. He instinctively knew that the time spent with his family mattered more than anything during his life. He enjoyed his many years working in the Brainerd School District, connecting with and supporting co-workers and students alike. An avid outdoorsman, he chopped wood in his 80s and still relished hunting or fishing. He will be dearly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever loved. 

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joy; daughters, Carla (Bill) Whiteman and Paula (Mark) Purcell; son, Mike Nordby; grandchildren, Ellie (Spencer) Gebhardt, Andy (Alyssa) Whiteman, Emma (Cody Rehberger) Whiteman, Charlie Purcell, and Sam Purcell; great-grandson, Hank Gebhardt; sister, Jeanine Gibbs; sisters-in law, Joni Bischoff and Judy Gustafson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Marie (Engquist) Nordby.