Gerald "Jerry" Stordahl (2024)

Gerald “Jerry” Stordahl, 82, of Williston, ND, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home in Williston, ND. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston is assisting the family.

Jerry was born on August 8th, 1939, in Fairview, Montana to Clarence and Gerda Stordahl. He grew up on a farm northwest of Fairview and was the oldest of three children. Jerry lost his father (Clarence) at the age of 13 which put Jerry in the role of being the man of the house. He learned his strong work ethic, working on the farm and being a significant help to his mom, sisters, Sharon and Carol. His family meant the world to him, and it was important to him to help take care of them.

Jerry graduated from Fairview High School in 1957 then went to pursue his college education. He first attended college in Butte, MT, then to Dickinson State where he completed his bachelor’s degree in Math and Science. Jerry started his teaching career at Williston Junior High School where he taught for about 4 years initially. During that time he met Linda Moline. They married and established their home in Williston, together they raised 3 children. Jerry had an opportunity to go to the University Of North Dakota in Grand Forks to earn his master’s in science teaching, so they loaded up their family and went to live there temporarily.

Upon completion of his master’s degree, Jerry returned to the Junior High School, and he taught 7th grade math, then 8th grade science for the next 20 years. He also did some part time work at Williston State College and taught evening classes for the GED program. Throughout his teaching career as well as years after, his family learned from many people what an impact he had on so many of his students. His love for learning as well as having fun in the classroom (watching Laurel and Hardy) were things his students remembered and appreciated.

Jerry decided to pursue his love for Chemistry, which brought him to several labs in Williston. He worked for Core Lab, Sathe Lab, Flying J Refinery, Dakota Catalyst, and Sabin Metals. Sabin was the last company he worked for and was with them for several years as their Lab Director. He could not have worked for a better company that appreciated his knowledge and abilities that he brought to the table, as well as supporting him at the start of his health difficulties. It was due to his health struggles that brought him to retirement.

Throughout Jerry’s adult life, he always had “side jobs” that he would do, and he was definitely a “Jerry of all trades”. He had the mind of an entrepreneur, with businesses ranging from construction, insulation, bee keeping, house moving, car detailing, etc. The list was long, but he finally found his true passion with his love for wood working and established his company “Old West Products.” His creations were his visions, and he never would stop thinking of ideas. His company was a part of The Pride of Dakota, and it really was his true pride and joy.

Jerry’s love for life and his love for adventure kept him striving for more. He believed in celebrating the simple things in life and his love and commitment to his family (immediate and extended) was unending. The health struggles that he endured the last 10+ years were many, but one thing that stood out the most was that he never complained (even though he had reasons to). He looked at the situations as “set backs” and always fought the battles with courage. He was a true inspiration to all that knew him and his strength was admired by all who loved him. He will be greatly and deeply missed.

Jerry is survived by his son, Paul (Cindy) Stordahl; daughters, Karen (Les) Luther, Alison (Derek) Kruse; grandchildren, Chase, Dacotah, Tanner, Haden, Tierra, Ryan, Griffin, Memphis; sisters, Sharon (Wayne) Berry, Carol (Bob) Karst; his last living aunt, Doris Galleske; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Gerda; several aunts and uncles who he held so dear to his heart.

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LOREN AND LINDA HAUGEN (BISMARCK, ND)
Apr 20, 2022

Sharon, Wayne and Jerry's family. You have our sympathy at this time. Loren got to know Jerry through their work at UND Williston's GED adult education program.

Chuck and Lettie Moline (WILLISTON, ND)
Apr 21, 2022

Rest in peace uncle Jerry or thoughts and prayers go out to family.

Susan (Williston, ND)
Apr 21, 2022

Sympathy to the family of Jerry. He was my freshman general science teacher at old Junior High his first year of teaching. He and I visited whenever we met around Williston over the years. Peace and joy to his memory.

Jeanne Knudsvig & Bonnie Smith
Apr 21, 2022

Our prayers & thoughts are with all of so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories close to your hearts to help you through the days ahead...
Sincere sympathy
Jeanne & Bonnie

Charlotte M Simonsen-Guptill (Craig, Colorado)
Apr 21, 2022

To Jerry's family,
So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. May your memories bring you comfort, With sympathy, & prayers , Charlotte

Bonnie Stevens (Williston, ND)
Apr 21, 2022

My sympathy to you all.
I just loved your dad. Hugs Karen

Kristi King (Williston, North Dakota)
Apr 22, 2022

My dear friend Karen & Family,

Your father was my favorite teacher in junior high. He always had me sit right in front of his desk. Wonder why that was??!! HaHa
He had a lasting impact on shaping the person I am today. To this I am truly grateful. RIP Mr. Stordahl.

Sincerely,

Kristi King

Joan and Paul Eldridge (Fairview, Mt)
Apr 22, 2022

We are so sorry for your loss.

Mel Sticka (Dolan Springs, Arizona)
Apr 22, 2022

It is a sad day when someone who is so well-liked passes. Jerry was that guy; he was upbeat, enthusiastic and always optimistic about the future. Jerry was intelligent and had a keen sense of humor, but he was always sensitive to the other person's feelings. Jerry's unassuming nature made him easy to be around, and any conversation with him was graced by all these traits, and from that, made memorable.

Fritzie Mooney (Eau Claire, Wisconsin)
Apr 22, 2022

Our moments together will be my best memories. He was a generous and loyal friend. We had some good laughs around the pool table, I had to give him a handicap on occasion. LoL. I will miss him dearly. My deepest condolences to his family

Frank (Williston, nd)
Apr 22, 2022

Never ever forgot Mr. Stordahl in my Junior High math class. A loving, gentle, and humorous man with a kind heart.

Rod and Dianne Gorder (Mesquite, NV)
Apr 22, 2022

Jerry was such a great guy always with a smile on him. My sincere condolences to all of the family. Hold on to the great memories
Love you all

Leon & Gayle Hanson (Redding, CALIFORNIA)
Apr 22, 2022

Our sympathy to the entire family. Jerry was a super cousin. My dad was really close to Jerry..He used to go with my dad when he would be driving his truck.

Dorothy Moe Reil (ALEXANDER, ND)
Apr 23, 2022

I am very sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I recall meeting him at Dickinson State. Many of us went to a type of Luther League gathering there and got to know of Jerry there. Also met Linda when I worked with the Foster Grandparent Program! My sincerest sympathy to everyone!

Debbie and David Slais (Epping, ND)
Apr 23, 2022

Jerry was one in a million! Our prayers to his family, friends, and everyone who was lucky to know him.

Lowell S (Minot)
Apr 23, 2022

Condolences to Mr Stordahl's family, best way i could describe him "always a good guy under any and all circ*mstances" former student

Mel Sticka (Dolan Springs, Arizona)
Apr 23, 2022

Larry lynne (Williston, Nd)
Apr 23, 2022

David W. Nelson (Grand Forks, ND)
Apr 24, 2022

My favorite teacher of all time. He gave me my first "A" and made me feel like I could be a success.

david and sonja lassey (cartwright, nd)
Apr 25, 2022

So very sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He had the best laugh and a twinkle in his eyes. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to the family. May you find peace with our Lord.

David and Valerie Allison (Fairview, MT)
Apr 25, 2022

So sorry for your loss. Such a nice guy.

C'Dale (Jenner McBride) Jore & Phil (Williston, North Dakota)
Apr 26, 2022

Jerry was a favorite teacher of mine! I also knew him when I graduated from UND-W and worked worked for Sherwin-Williams as their Interior Designer. Jerry was a frequent customer in summer. In later years I was blessed to get reconnected with Jerry at the Moose dances. I was lucky enough to get a few dances with him, too! What a nice man! I missed dancing with him when the Moose stopped all dancing. Dancing was great exercise & fellowship! So sad to lose that connection! May Jesus help you through this time of loss! With sincere sympathy, C'Dale & Phil

Nancy Hoffelt (Williston , ND)
Apr 27, 2022

It was my privilege to teach at the Junior High and the Adult Ed program with Jerry. He was a fountain of knowledge and patience. His smile and sense of humor brightened our conversations and always kept things lighthearted. A great guy! God Bless his memory and his loving family as you mourn the loss of one so dear.

Miles and Debbie Kruse (Carrington, ND)
Apr 27, 2022

It is truly with a heavy heart that I should be writing this….condolences to the whole family at this time.we shared many laughs, meals,and just friendship with Jerry…he will truly be missed. He and Miles always could “dream up” a new business venture together! RIP Jerry!!!

Carol Schell
Apr 27, 2022

Beautiful Ceremony. Karen you did a great job honoring your Dad.
He truly was a very nice man.

Kysa and Tim Hubbard (White Bear Township , Minnesota )
Apr 27, 2022

What a beautiful service!

Your dad would have loved it. He is absolutely beaming from Heaven at all of his girls and Memphis! You did an amazing job. He was, and will forever remain, your biggest fan. Jerry’s love for life and family will live on through all of you, and the suffering that he once shared only with God has been transformed into grace. He is free.

We all love you very much, and wish we had been able to be there with you.

Love,
Kysa, Tim, Remy and Kahley

Heather Fjare (Loveland, CO)
Apr 27, 2022

Holding you all in love and light. May all the beautiful memories bring you comfort. I treasure my many fond memories of Uncle Jerry - especially as a fellow rock hound.

Kim (Milner) Ramsey (Lubbock , TX)
Apr 28, 2022

I didn’t have Mr.Stordhal for math in Jr. high but was Blessed to have jerry as a next door neighbor when I got married. Jerry and Linda became more then neighbors they became family when we asked them to be our son’s God Parents! We Love you and will miss you Jerry ( Mr Stordhal)

Cheryl Simpson (Ray, ND)
Apr 29, 2022

Karen and family, so very sorry in the loss of your Dad….

Mark and Rene Kelly
May 5, 2022

Rene and I will always treasure the blessing of knowing and loving Jerry Stordahl. Rest well my friend.

Char Borud (Williston)
May 6, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you all.