William 'Bill' L. Nodeen

William “Bill” Nodeen, 94, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024.

Always a quiet, polite and humble gentleman, Bill lived his life with unwavering strength, boundless wisdom and steadfast love. Born in Galesburg, IL at the beginning of the Great Depression, Bill learned at a young age to persevere, be patient, work hard, and value family, church and faith above all else. He was a role model and inspiration to all who knew him.

After graduating high school in rural Illinois, Bill trained at Coyne Electrical School in Chicago and worked as an apprentice carpenter. He then proudly served in the US Army, stationed at Rhine Medical Depot in Einsiedlerhof, Germany. Following his military service, he married the love of his life, the late Arlene (Ryd) Nodeen, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Together they lovingly raised two children. Bill enjoyed a 36-year career as a lineman and crew leader at an electric utility in suburban Chicago. Upon retirement, Bill and Arlene moved to Ephrata, PA to live closer to their children and grandchildren. As a life-long Lutheran, Bill was an active and faithful member of Mellingers Lutheran Church in Stevens, PA.

Bill was known as the man who could build and repair anything. With his natural aptitude, desire to learn and determined work ethic, Bill developed many of his skills through his own research, ingenuity and hands-on experience. Always thinking of ways to eliminate an everyday annoyance or improve the way something worked, he engineered numerous solutions and practical inventions. Throughout his life, he eagerly volunteered his skills to his churches, family and friends, and he never accepted payment for his labor.

Although he enjoyed 35 years of being “retired” from employment, Bill never retired from doing work. He took pride in not needing to hire someone to do a job that he could do himself. He often could be found at his church keeping the building in tiptop shape, building additions to his own home and the homes of his family, or doing projects with his children and grandchildren. His physical endurance outlasted most folks half his age by pacing himself with cherished coffee breaks at 10 AM and 2 PM.

Bill especially treasured the time he spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed every opportunity to do something special for them. He’d take them on special trips, treat them to horseback riding lessons and flying lessons, remodel their homes, watch his favorite show M*A*S*H with them, or just play with them. Even in his 90s he loved to sit on the floor and play with his great-grandchildren. Bill's smile was brightest anytime the little ones were near.

Bill will be dearly missed by his daughter Susan Farr and her husband Robert, daughter-in-law Janey Price Nodeen, granddaughter Melissa Farr and her husband Jim Groff, grandson Michael Farr and his wife Courtney, grandson Wade Hampton Price IV, and great-grandchildren Wesley and Zoey Farr. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, as well as nieces and nephews.

In addition to his loving wife Arlene, Bill was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Beda Nodeen, brother Gordon Nodeen, nephew John Nodeen and beloved son Thomas Nodeen.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 12:00 noon at Mellingers Lutheran Church, 80 Gockley Rd, Stevens, PA 17578, officiated by Rev. Timothy L. Craven.

Memorial contributions can be made to Mellingers Lutheran Church, 80 Gockley Rd, Stevens, PA 17578 or to the American Brain Foundation at https://give.americanbrainfoundation.org