Raymond S Nordahl

Raymond Nordahl was born in Columbus, Montana on Sept. 4, 1923. He had an older brother named Marvin and a sister named Winifred. They lived on a 1000 acre wheat ranch in an area known as the "Wheat Basin". He attended the local Peterson school where his father, Martin Luther, was the teacher in a one room school house that taught grades one through eight. Raymond's mother was named Ethel Marie Ryan. Her family also had a ranch in the area. The family moved to San Jose in 1933. Raymond's father, Martin Luther attended San Jose State University and graduated in 1936. The family then moved to Manteca. Raymond attended high school there which he really enjoyed. Raymond's mother started having dizzy spells which turned out to be brain cancer. She passed away in 1940 after an unsuccessful surgery at the age of 36. The family then moved to Morro Bay where Raymond's father worked as a school teacher. Marvin joined the Army Air Force in early 1942 where he became a bomber pilot. Raymond joined the Army Air Force in November in 1942. Like his brother Raymond also wanted to become a pilot and even successfully solo but failed the blood pressure test so got involved in Radar which was top secret at the time. Raymond was sent over to Italy to serve in Naples. After the end of the European conflict, he was sent back to the states to prepare to go to Japan, but Japan surrendered and the war was over. Raymond landed jobs playing trumpet at night and that's where he met his wife, Rita Salvo one evening. They dated for about a year and then got married in 1951. Raymond accepted a position at Dalmo Victor as an Engineer and then moved to U.S. Products as an Engineer and later became the their Plant Manager. Raymond retired in 1986 and remained active playing Trumpet in a variety of local jazz bands. We have wonderful memories as a family swimming in the backyard pool and BBQ's over the years. Raymond also loved to have picnic's and BBQ's at the local parks while listening to music. On January 25, 2017, Raymond passed away and it warms our heart's to know that Mom and Dad are reunited. Raymond is survived by two sons, Jim and Jeff, and one daughter Dale. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Ethel Nordahl, and his wife Rita Nordahl (Salvo). Dad will be buried at Oak Hill Memorial Park in the "Garden of Hero's" section on February. 15th at 3:00 pm.