Obituary: Ole Nels Nordgren, 84

Ole Nels Nordgren was born on September 27, 1941, in Petersburg, Alaska, to Kurt and Clara Nordgren. In his early years, Ole spent time fishing alongside his father aboard the Lois W and the Ira-II, experiences that shaped his lifelong love for the water and the outdoors.

Ole proudly served in the United States Air Force as an Airman First Class from 1961 to 1965 and was stationed in Amarillo, Texas. It was there that he met and fell in love with Kandi Campbell. They were married in 1964 and the couple moved to Petersburg in 1965, where Ole continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves for two years.

Following his military service, Ole worked for many years as a crane operator at the Barite Mine in Duncan Canal and later for Tamico, where he remained until his retirement. He took great pride in his work and in the life he built through dedication and perseverance.

A lifetime member of the Moose Lodge and a member of the American Legion, in his free time Ole enjoyed woodworking, fishing, smoking fish, traveling with his wife, taking long drives, playing his guitar and singing. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, entertaining others with his many stories and reconnecting with friends.

Ole died peacefully on November 30, 2025, in Petersburg, having lived a full life deeply rooted in family, love, hard work, service, and the stories that connected generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kurt and Clara (Stolpe) Nordgren; his sister, Clara, her husband Jim, and their son Matthew Thompson; his brother, Carl Nordgren, and Carl's daughter, Ricarda Owens; His son-in-law, Ted Sokol; and his great-grandsons Diavik Nielsen and Jase Payne.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kandi Nordgren; his children, Vickie Sokol (Bob Luhr), and Ole D. Nordgren; his grandchildren, Monica Wiest (Zach), Blake Buotte (Taylor), Shelly Sokol, Amzie Sokol, Olen Nordgren, Maryanne Nordgren, and Eric Nordgren. He also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, cousins, and extended family members who will cherish his memory and miss him deeply.

Ole will be remembered for his kindness, his storytelling, his music, and the love he shared with those around him. His laughter filled a room, and his smile was contagious. While his presence will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on through the family and friends who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Ole's life will be announced at a later date.