Individual Details
(December 20, 1928 - November 25, 2006)
"BISMARCK, N.D. - Kenneth E. Nordyke, 77, died Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006, at his home surrounded by his family. Kenneth �Ken� Nordyke was born to Eva (Glassey) and Gordon Nordyke in Higgins, Texas, on Dec. 20, 1928. He moved to Puyallup, Wash., by the time he was 5 years old. He attended schools in Puyallup and graduated in 1947. Ken served in the U.S. Air Force engaged in the Korean War. He was active in the Enumclaw (Wash.) Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 1949 and was post commander in 1966-67. Ken married Doris Nielsen on July 8, 1950, in Enumclaw. They lived many years in Enumclaw, where Ken custom hay-farmed, logged and milked cows on the Maple Farm. He was also on the Puyallup and Enumclaw police forces and was an active member of the Enumclaw Jaycees. In 1972 the family moved to Charlo. He built his family's home, and he ranched and farmed his beloved place. While in Montana, Ken was employed primarily as a contract carpenter and a heavy-equipment operator. He was a retired member of the Operating Engineers Local 302 and a member of the Charlo American Legion. His union membership led him to Alaska, where he loved to explore the wilderness and all its majesty. Alaska always pulled at him; he yearned to return but he was unable. He shared many an unbelievable story about his favorite experiences. If you know Ken, you can imagine his laughter when he told stories about hunting, fishing, harvesting crops, logging in the Cascades, coaching youth baseball, a good saddle horse or a good dog, negotiating an agreement, the Jaycees rodeo and other events, or memories of good friends and families together. Ken died at his daughter's home with his family, including Duane �Sunny� His Chase, supporting him. His wife, Doris, and their children survive him: Dutch (Sharon Sharp), Kathy (Dennis Growcock), Cindy (DeLyle) Paulsen, and Karla (Tom Keller). He is also proud of his 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Ken's surviving family also includes his sister Melba (Gene) Dunlap, and nephews and nieces. His grandson, two brothers, one sister, one niece and one nephew preceded him in death. His remains are cremated and will be tended to by his devoted family according to his wishes. A memorial service is planned in Charlo at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Senior Center and in Enumclaw at a later date. His family invites all who knew Ken to help us celebrate his life. Pallbearers include his children; Sunny His Chase; his nephews Harvey, Wayne, Darrell, Doc Nordyke and Gary Dildine; and his grandchildren Sena, Charlynn, Anna, Ken, Tina, Lloyd, Renee, Ben, Frank, Irene and Olen. Honorary pallbearers (in memoriam) include his brother Olen Nordyke, grandson Shawn Baxter and best friend Loren Howard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to donor's choice." (Obituary.)
Events
| Birth | December 20, 1928 | Higgins, Lipscomb County, Texas | | | |
| Marriage | July 8, 1950 | Enumclaw, King County, Washington - Doris Nielsen | | | |
| Death | November 25, 2006 | Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota | | | |
Families