David Carl Nordlund

David Carl Nordlund, aged 80, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Dave was a highly educated and accomplished individual. Born on July 4, 1943, to Sigurd Carl “Sig” and Helen Augusta (Depner) Nordlund, he was raised in Billings, Montana, and graduated from Billings Central Catholic High in 1961.

Dave continued his education and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Eastern Montana College (now known as Montana State University) in Billings. Following college, Dave initially taught biology and coached basketball at Shepherd High School. He then went on to be principal of Ellesian Elementary School.

After teaching for a few years Dave enlisted with the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country with distinction and ultimately retired as a Colonel. Dave continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve for several years and remained an active member in the Marine Corps League assisting other veterans and serving his community.

On December 26, 1966, David married Lana Helgeson in Billings. They resided in Billings and then Glendive MT and had two children, Heidi and Paul. After 25 years of marriage, Dave and Lana divorced. Later, Dave married Helen Laurente O’Keefe on August 6, 2018.

After serving his country, Dave began his career in communications and was a known expert in the field. He started out selling two-way radios in the oil fields, and then when new technology emerged he worked in the cell phone industry. He began his career with Motorola, worked his way up to Regional Manager for US West Cellular (Verizon) and later owned and managed several cell phone stores before he retired.

In 1985, Dave and his family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dave was an active member in the Marine Corps League Detachment 659 in Sioux Falls,  joined Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club and was also involved in the Dakota Region Porsche Club. Dave enjoyed driving sports cars, fishing with his grandson, and riding his Harley.

Dave was a man of great character and will be sorely missed by his wife, Helen of Sioux Falls; daughter, Heidi Weelborg of Houston, TX, and son, Paul Nordlund of Sioux Falls; two grandchildren, Christian Weelborg and Bridgette Weelborg, and one great-grandson, Elijah; and his first wife, Lana Smith of Sioux Falls. He is also survived by two brothers, Ron (Patty) Nordlund of Billings, MT, and John Nordlund of Billings, MT.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, Sig and Helen Nordlund, and his sister, Jean (Nordlund) Laughrin.

Funeral service will be held at Miller Funeral Home at 507 South Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Wednesday October 11 at 1:00PM. A second service will take place at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary in Billings on Friday October 13 and the interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Billings, Montana.