Nadine Adele Bomgren

She grew up in Vaughn, New Mexico and graduated from high school there. She went on to college in Tennessee, then later in San Francisco, California and became an elementary school teacher. During summer breaks from school, she worked for the concession company in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. There she met her husband-to-be, Charles Bomgren, who was a seasonal Park Ranger. They shared the love of the Tetons, fell in love with each other, and were married in June 1959 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Charles was an astronomer and teacher. During their early years of marriage, they made several moves to pursue Charles’ career and advanced education, finally settling in Santa Ana, California. There Charles taught at the community college as he and Nadine worked side by side running the Tessman Planetarium.

Summers would return them to service in Grand Teton National Park which included operation of a remote fire tower. They had a dream to build a cabin near the Tetons – to make a real home there and return each summer. They bought property near Victor, Idaho, just over the pass from Grand Teton National Park and started building in 1970. Tragically, Charles was killed in a car accident on their return trip to the cabin in 1971.

Nadine was determined to keep their dream alive by returning to the Tetons every summer for 50 years. With the help of her parents, brother, nephew, friends and neighbors, her “chalet” was completed in the early 70’s with improvements and maintenance every summer thereafter.

She moved from her Santa Ana home in 1995 to the retirement community of Sun City, Arizona. There she cared for her parents until their passing. She was very active in her condominium association and enjoyed the many events and activities her community had to offer.

Nadine Bomgren passed away on September 15, 2021 in Driggs, Idaho, in the shadow of the Teton Mountains. She experienced unexpected complications after a routine surgical procedure.

Family and friends were a very important part of Nadine’s life. She was a stickler for tradition and unwavering in her annual pilgrimages to her sisters’ home in California at Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and, of course, her “happy place” in the Tetons every summer. She loved people and she loved sharing. Holidays and birthdays were always remembered. If ever there was a reason for a social gathering, Nadine was the ring leader. Nadine had such a youthful spirit and she was also a little mischievous which made her really fun to be around.

We are happy to reflect together on the rich and full life Nadine had. We are also happy to reunite her with her husband Charles, at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nadine lived like it would last forever and she was right; as we hold her forever in our hearts. We will miss you “Peter Pan”.