Reuben Monrad Fordahl, age 93 of Willard Missouri, went to be with his Lord on the afternoon of 12/20/16 at the Jordan Creek Nursing and Rehab in Springfield, Missouri. Born in Underwood, Minnesota, Reuben was raised on a farm in rural Minnesota where his father would often have to drive him, his siblings, and neighbor children to school in a sleigh. At about the age of 15 years old and in about the eighth grade, Reuben went with his father to work in the shipyards in Tacoma, Washington. He served a 4-year apprenticeship in a sash and door factory while out there. He moved back to Minnesota when his father fell ill, and worked for 25 years as a union carpenter. Then, he started his own business and built many fine homes in the Midwest. He loved music, and often played guitar and sang. Living near Branson gave him ample opportunity to enjoy country music. Reuben shared with his children his love of music and his faith in God. He was a high-energy man, very outgoing, and said he was “a production man.” In his younger years, he enjoyed woodworking, music, laughter, and a good cup of coffee with family or friends! When asked how he was doing in his eighties and nineties, he usually replied, “Oh! One day at a time, or “I’m still kicking!” or “Hanging in there!” He liked to tell stories of how people did things in the old days. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage.
Reuben married his first wife, Vera Rockstad with whom he had 6 children.
He married his current wife Kathryn Clark Fordahl July 25, 1968 and they have shared 48 years together. He is survived by daughter Colleen Crochet and husband Elliot of Brookeland,TX, daughter Judy Lutterman and husband Dean of Shakopee, MN, daughter Jeanette Keyso and husband John of Bradenton, FL, son Steven Fordahl and wife Ellen of Stanchfield, MN, son John Fordahl and wife Rosie of Ozark, MO, daughter Susan Bell and husband Tom of Anniston, AL, and son Roger Fordahl of Saint Louis, MO. He is survived by 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Bertha Tangen Fordahl, his father Ingebret Fordahl, daughter Carol Fordahl, and son Reuben Fordahl Jr., and three brothers Bert, Vernon, Carl Fordahl, and sister Clara Quin.
Visitation will be held at the Greenlawn North Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri on Monday, December 26, 2016 from 2 to 4 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 2 PM at Renew United Methodist Church, 304 Farmer Road, Willard, MO. Burial will follow at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Willard, MO. Memorial contributions can be given in memory of Reuben Fordahl to Renew United Methodist Church of Willard MO.