By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
My mother says that all the stars that twinkle in the sky are probably our loved ones telling us they are happy in heaven and that they look over us every day.
Another twinkling star has recently been added. Someone who made a difference, a big difference, while living and working among us.
Gary Nordlie had a personality beyond dispute. He was true to himself and his fellow man, doing his best to live a more-than-satisfying life while he encouraged and advised others.
Gary received his teaching degree from Mankato State University in 1968. He taught English and Speech at New Richland until retiring in 1998. He was responsible for creating the "Oral Interp" presentations that brought out the creativity, interest and talents his students might have hidden away in an inner self.He lectured, assigned, tested and taught, but most of what he taught his students was to think and do. More than a teacher, he was an educator.
Nancy Ingvaldson, one of his students, said it all in a piece of poetry she wrote regarding her teacher, Mr. Nordlie.
"Through all the lectures,
assignments and tests.
You have taught me
more than you know.
More than just numbers and words,
but, how to think for myself,
how to be myself,
and most of all,
that it's okay to be myself.
You have helped prepare me
for where I go now.
All of my learning experiences,
books I have read,
and your teachings...
I have become
who I am today.
You have been a great influence.
Thank you for being a great educator
and also being
- a great friend.
Thanks again
- I could never repay you."
Also among souvenirs his wife Carole displayed at the visitation, was a copy of a note he once jotted down of what he felt were his top 10 rules for life.
"Nordlie’s Top 10 Rules For Life" (Well really 11)
1. "Save your money and invest." Every old "gummer' I ever knew told me this and now I know the value of this advice. The sooner you become financially secure, the sooner you can live your life your way.
2. "If you choose to marry, marry well." In other words, don't let passion and lust make this decision for you.
3. Value the real friends you have and don't be in too big of a hurry to make new ones.
4. Keep oil in the car and change it!
5. Keep your bills paid and use credit cards only in emergencies.
6. When things you are doing begin to bother you too much - quit them. This goes for jobs, hobbies, bad habits, etc.
7. Find an enjoyable job that suits your talents.
8. Be good parents! This one alone redeems all other sins you may have committed as kids.
9. Play a musical instrument. One you want to play. Music is too much fun to be left in the hands of the talented.
10. Educate yourself. Don't rely on others because others don't know what you want to know. There is a difference.
11. Have some fun for crying out loud! Some of you walk around here like you've lost your last friend! Lighten up a little.
At the end of the sheet of paper he wrote, "I know there are 11, but I was sick the year they taught us to count. I really think if you follow these rules your life will be much more enjoyable. I wished I would have."
Gary lived his life his way and with inspiration, love and respect for others. Fishing was his hobby, his avocation and always a thrill.
Gary wrote a book, "The Boy Who Talked To Loons,, for his grandchildren, Karter, Kailie, and Konner, the boy who "talked to loons."
Gary explained in the introduction in his book, "It started out as a children's book about adults fishing, but now I'm not sure it isn't an adult book about kids fishing. Either way I think it's a pretty good fishing tale. Enjoy."
Whenever I hear or see a loon, or a soft cuddly replica, I think of Mr. Nordlie. I think of his wife, his daughter and his grandchildren because I know how valued they were to him.
Every bone in his body, the expression on his face, and the words from his mouth portrayed the positive thinking of this man, and it wasn't lost.
People came from far and near for the visitation held for those who knew him as friend, neighbor, educator, guide or just a good guy who made life a little better, not bitter. Ask any of the people who stood in long lines to pay their respects to this man. It was worth every minute to converse with others and his family about the worth of "a good man." He had it all.
Yes, I am sorry he left us so soon. We always want more, but oh, I am so glad he lived and gave the world everything he did. He will always be a part of those "who made a difference."
He maybe never put his life story in written words, but he wrote it every day in the way he lived. It is a story worthy of a best seller.
It is not a story about a fish that got away, but of one that lives on for a better day.
He was real. He was his person.
He was many things to many people.