obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

Gail Marie
Nordvall

A blessed event for David and Carol Jean (Biel) Barnes took place on May 3, 1962 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin when they welcomed Gail Marie into their loving arms. The youngest of three children, they enjoyed fun filled times water skiing and ice skating, but from a young age Gail learned the importance of family. She and her sister not only shared a family bond, but remained close friends their whole lives through. A major event in her young life was receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and being baptized in Jesus Name at the age of ten.

Gail graduated from the People’s Christian Academy in Phoenix, Arizona where her efforts allowed her to complete two years of school in one. She went on to attend Milwaukee Area Technical College, receiving her Associates Degree in Dental Assisting. She began working for Northpoint Dental at various clinics throughout the area where her caring demeanor was evident. Although Gail’s first marriage ended, she was blessed with two wonderful daughters, Amanda and Erica who filled her days with joy. Things began to turn for Gail when she became friends with Scott Nordvall. Experiencing rough times following his divorce, Gail’s caring heart reached out to Scott. From friendship their time together grew to include love. On August 14, 1995 they were married in a simple ceremony. Gail was equally blessed when she and Scott had their son, Dustin.

With her family now complete, Gail put her heart and soul into caring for them. Her loving nature and generosity of spirit was evident in all she did. Not rich with material wealth, Gail counted her family and friends as her most treasured gift. Her home was always a welcome place for young people in need of a mother figure in their life. She also had a way of bringing laughter to those in her company with her great sense of humor. In her presence, it was easy to smile. Enjoying the simple things in life, precious times were spent over the years at Lake Michigan, taking rides through Grant Park, watching fireworks and above all, attending the Wisconsin State Fair. The important thing to Gail was being with family.

A good cook, she enjoyed canning while Scott handled the gardening. Her other interests included photography and crocheting, and her beautiful afghans will be forever treasured. Although Gail’s life saw it’s share of ups and downs, her loving nature and ability to forgive was a gift. Never one to harbor ill will toward anyone, faith was important to her. She was involved at church playing the French horn in the church orchestra. After returning to college, Gail received her Associate’s Degree, as an Accountant Assistant, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. She began working for her brother’s business as an Administrative Assistant and remained there until she could no longer work.

After experiencing health issues in 2005, Gail was diagnosed in 2007 with Congestive Heart Failure. Her health began to worsen after she developed Multiple Myeloma. Diagnosis of the rare disease Amyloidosis caused Gail to become hospitalized where she underwent much testing. Even still, Gail held strong and simply wanted to be with her family. She was blessed be to home for Christmas before returning to the hospital where her battle continued. Gail’s name was lifted in much prayer and petition, but a place was being especially prepared for Gail in her heavenly home. At the age of 47, Gail Marie Nordvall entered heavenly rest on Friday, January 29, 2010.

Gail’s warm demeanor and genuine care for others was an example for all. She loved much and laughed often with a wonderful sense of humor that could brighten the most gloomy of days. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Beloved wife of Scott Nordvall; cherished mother of Amanda Ellis, Erica King and Dustin Nordvall; loving grandmother of Myah Ellis, Layla Ellis, Emma Ellis, Isabella King, Vincent King Jr. and Arianna King; dearest daughter of David and Carol Jean Barnes; dear sister of Scott (Cindy) Barnes and Glenda (Steve Mangus) Barnes. She is also survived by many relatives and friends.

Visitation on Monday, February 1, 2010, Parkway Apostolic Church, 10940 S. Nicholson Road, Oak Creek, WI from 4–6:45 PM with her funeral service at 7:00 PM. Private interment in Milwaukee, WI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory of Gail or to sign her online guest book. Arrangements by Suminski Family Funeral Homes, 414-744-5156.

Past Comments

aimee chatain

I don’t have a single memory that didn’t include seeing Auntie Gail’s big dimples in a smile. She was always interested in whatever was new in my life – whether it be where I was working, which men was taking my current interest, or my pregnancy with my only son, Liam. Gail always had a way of making you feel better about anything. My most early memories of her include Pink Floyd and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on frozen bread. Up until the latest when I visited her at her home and loved giving her a hug (even if she didn’t want it), just to let her know that she would always be my auntie Gail!

We love you so much! and I will forever miss you and your humor, smile, presence, and understanding!

Love always,

Aimeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Genny

Although I have been absent from the USA most of the last 24 years, I do remember Gail. My deepest sympathy to her husband, children and grandchildren and parents as well. Her race is over and now she is out of suffering on the other side of the promise, this is temporary because we have a hope. Those of us left behind will miss her, but see her again later, it is just she departed before us. May the peace and comfort of Jesus fill all your hearts by His Spirit and knowing our future.

Cyndi Phillips

It was November/December 1974,our family started to go to Parkway,as a teenager I needed to make some new friends.Gail and Glenda made me feel welcome, we became good friends pretty quickly.I spent quite a few nights sleeping over at their house,we always had a blast,those girls made me laugh so hard!

We kept in touch off and on through the years, but this last year or so kind of lost touch, I regret that.

I am comforted knowing that she is with her Lord and saviour,and that I will one day see her again.I feel fortunate to have known her and had her for a friend. We had many good talks and laughs together,and I will always cherish these times I had with her.

I will continue to lift up your family in prayer, but at least we have a hope and a reassurance that we will one day meet you in heaven and see you again.

Love and Prayers,

Cyndi Phillips (Hanna)

Sandy Odum

What do I remember of Gail as we were growing up teenagers together? It’s her everyready smile and laugh. Boy did we girls have some good times together. Regret not being in contact all these years. I do reflect back to those days and have to smile or grimace at what we had done. I remember that small teenager girl hollering with all the gusto she had encouraging her team members. I know she will be missed here by her family and friends. But I can only imagine her there on the sidelines of heaven once again giving it her all. Gail your the winner!

Meagan Barnes Thielecke

I am not usually good with words, but I wanted to share my love and sadness for Gail. There are so many memories I have of her even though a large part of my “growing up” years were spent in Fl. Regardless of how long it had been since we saw each other, Gail was always so excited, warm and welcoming to her 3 neices. I dont know if my comfortableness around her was related to the fact that she was a female version of my dad in looks or it was her huge smile and grin she so proudly wore. One of the most amazing things about Gail was she was not judgemental. She excepted who you were as a person regardless of the mistakes or misfortunes you have had. I promise to take that part of her and apply it to my life! She will be so greatly missed. I remember family holiday time at Grandma and Grandpa Barnes’ house when they lived in Franksville. There is nothing like good food, great family and laughing until we would cry. I miss those times! I love you Aunt Gail. You will/are missed!

Shannon Pichler

I won’t be able to capture every thought or feeling my Aunt Gail deserves inside this little box. She truly was wonderful. The classic shy commedian at every family gathering, there is a gaping hole that is undoubtedly felt now by all of us. Gail was also an excellent listener and she made her home available to many kids that weren’t hers biologically. She had an amazing heart, the most endearing smile, and an outrageous sense of humor. I can still hear her laughing as well as her high-pitched screech that would send all of her kids and her nieces and nephews into tumultuous giggles.

She always loved on my sisters and I and did the same when our babies came. I’m sad that Finnly won’t get to know her at this point in time. My girl reminds me a little of Gail: funny, brave, a smile that would stop time itself…

I won’t say I wish she was still with us. She is in a place of rest. I will say, “I can’t wait to see you, again, Lovely Gail.”

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