Obituary - Percy E. Nordrum Jr.

Percy E. Nordrum Jr., 65, passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. 

His celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Monday, November 25, 2024, at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church with Pastor Rick Hodshire officiating. Please visit Percy’s online memorial page at www.hollandbonine.com to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family.  Memorials in Percy’s honor may be made to the Gildford or Kremlin Volunteer Fire Departments or a memorial of your choice.

Percy was born August 12, 1959, in Havre, Montana, to Percy and Grace (Kurtz) Nordrum, the sixth of seven children.  He was raised on the family farm south of Gildford, Montana.  He attended school at KG, graduating in 1977. After graduation he went to work for various people, before taking over the family farm at 21 years old. He met Laurie Laughnan in Gildford and they were married in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 28, 1982. The couple made their home on the farm where they raised their two children, Celeste and Lance.

Always a farmer, he was used to hard work.  If he was not in the field or working on equipment, he was likely working elsewhere, donating time to the volunteer fire department, or helping others with their projects. 

I may not be here for a long time, but I’m here for a good time was a motto Percy lived by.  He rarely passed up the opportunity for a good time, and he had a signature twinkle in his eye that warned you he was up to something.  He was always up for a good laugh, pranks, jokes, or a funny story. Stories of his shenanigans when he was young served as both entertainment and cautionary tales to his kids.  He enjoyed camping, tinkering and woodworking, playing cards, and visiting with people.  He and Laurie also began traveling with family and friends, going on cruises, to Mexico, and other fun trips.

Although not retired, Percy and Laurie purchased their “retirement” home in Havre in 2012.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Lloyd and Dodie Laughnan; half-brother, LeRoy Hruby, sister-in-law, Patty Nordrum, younger brother, Dave Nordrum; and nephew, Shane McCormick.

Percy is survived by his wife of 42 years, Laurie Nordrum; daughter, Celeste (Jeff) Wendland; and son, Lance Nordrum; two granddaughters, Harper and Rozalyn Wendland; one brother, Charlie Nordrum; four sisters, Lavonne (Dennis) Schroeder, Loretta (Keith) Eldridge, Laurie (Glenn) Huestis, Lylas (Neil) McCormick; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.