Gary Nordlie, 68, Of Owatonna and Lake Vermilion, passed away November 15, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born July 16, 1945 in La Crosse, WI to Norman and Oma (Nyseth) Nordlie.
Gary moved to Owatonna in 1958 and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1963. He married his high school sweetheart Carole Soukup on December 23, 1967 in Owatonna. He received his teaching degree from Mankato State University in 1968.
Gary taught English and Speech at New Richland High School until his retirement in 1998. He also coached track, weight lifting, cross country, and created the Oral Interp variety show.
He grew up on the Mississippi river and developed his love of fishing from his Grandpa Andrew. After many years of tournament fishing, freelance outdoor writing and photography for various magazines, he began a career as a fishing guide on Lake Vermilion where he spent the last 30 summers at the family cabin.His interests include golfing, wood carving, restoring hot rods, motorcycle riding, hunting, fishing, BB guns and trapshooting, and playing his guitars and dobros.
Gary recently published a children’s book called “The Boy Who Talked to Loons” based on, and for, his grandchildren.
Gary is survived by his wife Carole; daughter, LaRae (Bill Samuels) Kubista; 3 grandchildren, Karter, Konner, and Kailie Kubista; a sister Lynda Virgin; brother-in-law, Roger (Sharon) Soukup; sister-in-law, Paula Soukup; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law George Soukup.
Gary was a well-known teacher, but was also known as an educator — not only in his school room, but also of nature, fishing, music, and life lessons in general. He will be remembered by many for his wit and sense of humor. He would want to thank all the people who shared his guiding trips and the many students who shared his classroom.
A visitation to celebrate his life will be 1-4 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2013 at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd.) Memorials may be sent to the family and they will direct them to the appropriate organizations in Gary’s honor. An online guestbook may be signed at www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.