Gerald L. Nordquist, 94, longtime resident of Washburn died December 12 ^th at the Benedictine Living Center, Garrison, ND.  Cremation has taken place, and there will be no services at this time due to COVID-19.  There are tentative plans summer of 2021 for a "Celebration of Life" and burial service with military rites provided by American Legion Victor B. Wallin Post #12 of Washburn. The date and location will be determined and announced at a later date.

Gerald L. "Stork" Nordquist was born in Underwood, ND on March 3 ^rd , 1926 the son of Oscar and Elsie (McDonald) Nordquist.  The youngest of four siblings he started his early years being raised on a farm near Turtle Lake until a fire destroyed the farm. The family settled in the Washburn area where he was educated and graduated from Washburn High School in 1944.  He enjoyed sharing stories of his rambunctious youth which many would say remained as a lifelong attribute.

In 1943 as a junior he attempted to enlist to join the efforts during World War II but was told to graduate first.  Soon after graduation in June of 1944 he successfully enlisted in the Navy, was eventually assigned to the destroyer USS Stormes as a Gunner's Mate Second Class. His naval service ended in 1946 but his compassion for the branches of service and those that served never faltered.  Some of his proudest moments came as he shared the brotherhood of service with his grandsons.

He married Mildred G. Liudahl on June 19, 1949 and in 2019 celebrated 70 years together just prior to Millie's death. Stork and Millie built their home of 63 years on their favorite hilltop overlooking the Missouri River.  It was in this home that their four children David, Laurie, Richard and JoDee where raised. Stork truly enjoyed the art of gardening and maintaining and entertaining in their beautiful backyard.  He often credited the numerous plants in his home for keeping him healthy over the many years and loved sharing his plants and expertise with others. Stork was able to live in his home comfortably, all but the last year of his life.

Stork worked alongside his brother Donald "Spence" Nordquist at Nordquist Brothers Implement dealership for 50 years making many relationships with the farming community of the area.

Washburn's history was very important to him and was evident through his community involvement. His historical knowledge of the area was vast and he loved to share or quiz others. His dear friends in his coffee group were witnesses to the many stories. He took pride in Washburn working to establish a strong community. He told stories of working on the development of the first swimming pool for families versus going to the river to swim and in the development and construction of the Memorial "Building".

Throughout his years he was committed to the American Legion programs. Recently he was recognized for 75 years of continuous membership within the American Legion.  A recognition that he was very proud to receive from the Victor B. Wallin Post #12 of Washburn. He served on the board of the Ingersoll Veeder School and Cemetery Association, the Riverview Cemetery, and had been active with the McLean County Historical Society along with other civic and church activities.

He is survived by his sister Beverly (Nordquist) Holtan, two daughters Laurie (Myron) Cullen, JoDee (John) Sayler, seven grandchildren Joshua (Kayla) Ternes, Jonathan Ternes, Jordan (Sarah) Ternes, Nicolas (Brittany) Cullen, Lauren Cullen, Quinn Cullen, Mahana Nordquist and twelve great grandchildren Essence, Easton Weston, Axton, Kaiden, Corbin, Lydia, Jed, Owen, Millie, Emma and Caleb, two step-grandchildren Amber (Travis) Verke, John A. (Brianna) Sayler and three step-great grandchildren Brittney, Shelby, and Kortney, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Stork was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, sister and two sons.

A special thank you to the Benedictine Living Center of Garrison for their patient and compassionate care.

Memorials may be sent to Ingersoll Veeder Cemetery Association, Sharon Hanson Treasurer, 7373 East US Hwy 60, #112, Gold Canyon AZ 85118 or Riverview Cemetery, Mary Ann Beeks, Washburn, ND 58577 or a memorial of person's choice.