William Harold Nordby

William Harold Nordby, born November 6, 1927 in Minneapolis Minnesota was the sixth of seven children born to Jens Nordby and Anna Bergerson. He grew up during the Great Depression and was no stranger to hard work and lean times. As a young man Bill always enjoyed working on cars, he told many stories about driving and fixing the car he shared with his brother. Bill served his country in the Navy from December 1, 1945 to October 30 1947. After his discharge Bill went back to Minnesota where he found work as a painter. On September 3 1949 he married Betty Marie Goodwill together they gave life to 7 children; Sheri Renee Picker, Cheryl Marie Nordby, Rachelle Annette Osterander, Kevin William Nordby, Mark Jeffery Nordby, Bridget Lanette Cassara, and Keith Matthew Nordby. In the early years of their marriage Bill and Betty traveled back and forth between California and Minnesota to visit relatives and even wandered down to Florida trying to find enough work to provide for their family. In 1965 Bill found the job that he would retire from at Disneyland, he worked at The Happiest Place on Earth as a painter for 26 years, retiring in 1991 with his “Golden Ears”. As his boys grew up and became interested in cars, Bill was right there helping them paint and restore their many different cars and motorcycles. He even had a motorcycle of his own that he rode to work at Disneyland. Bill had said on more than one occasion that his dream was to own and operate a junk yard. Bill and Betty loved to travel in their early years it was by car or station wagon, with all the kids in tow. Later on they had a series of motorhomes and RV’s. He enjoyed taking his family camping and riding dirt bikes in the desert. In April 1999 Betty passed away after a long bout with breast cancer. Bill had a hard time being alone after all of those years together, he would visit the cemetery almost daily. His children were worried about how he was handling the loss but after a short time he settled down to a normal routine, and in October 2000 Bill remarried Madeline Iola Young. Along with Bill’s grown children he gained two step children Linda Lee White and Brian J. Rendulich. Bill and Madeline lived in Stanton and attended Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Bill believed in God and the power of prayer, even when his body was failing him he was always upbeat and never complained. He was well known for his sense of humor; he always had a wise crack or joke for his friends or anyone he met. Bill was also outspoken and did not even try to keep his political opinions to himself. He was a loving, caring spouse, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. William Harold Nordby is survived by his wife, 6 children, 2 step children, 13 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and more friends than you could count.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria del Angel Pierce Brothers Anaheim Mortuary, Anaheim, CA.