Ellis Nordwick

Ellis “John” Nordwick passed away peacefully in Billings, on April 30, 2015. John was born in Homestead, Montana, on October 3, 1927 to Leona Nordwick (Knudtson) and Oliver Nordwick. John was the oldest son and second oldest of five children and the role fit him well. He was raised with a very strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. He was a wonderful father, mentor and friend. John met his first wife Helen Blevins Nordwick and during their 34 years of marriage they had a family of twelve children. John later met his current wife Maryellen Nordwick and they enjoyed 32 beautiful years together. As a youth John loved sports and excelled at basketball and football. He was an avid sportsman and loved to hunt and fish. John always loved animals especially his dogs whether they were hunting or lap dogs they always found his favor. John spent most of his life running the Log Cabin Bar which he purchased in 1963 and provided a good living for his family. He was fondly known as “Hey John” by his friends and patrons at the bar. Later in life he enjoyed storytelling and hearing of his children's and grandchildren's adventures. He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Earl and William, his daughters Helene and Kay (Nelsen) and sister Mary (Cocco). John is survived by his sister Evelyn (Petersen), brothers James and Ronald as well as his children and their spouses; John (Gwyn), Bruce (Mary), LeAnn (Frank) Kenney, Tom (Jill), Mary (Todd) Dewire, Joedy (Jack) Fields, Marcy, Joe and son-in-law Bob Nelsen. In addition, John is survived by his step children Deeda (Don) Randle and Zane (Kristi) Johnson as well as 24 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 5 at the Methodist Church in Culbertson, MT. Flowers/cards can be sent to 210 3rd Avenue W., Culbertson, MT 59218. The family would like to send a special thank you to the Sheridan Memorial Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital staff for their support and care and special thanks to his personal physician Dr. Kirk Stoner of Plentywood, MT.