Maurice D. "Morrie" Nordell

MAURICE D. 'MORRIE' NORDELL JUN 13, 1930 - OCT 26, 2010 Maurice D. 'Morrie' Nordell, the youngest child of Axel and Nellie Nordell, was born in Turlock, California. Morrie attended Turlock High School where he excelled in basketball and baseball. In 1948, at the age of 18, Morrie 'The Cat' was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and played shortstop for the Klamath Falls Gems, Salina Blue Jays, Salt Lake City Bees, and Terre Haute Phillies. While playing in Salt Lake, he met and married Gayle Larsen. After serving two years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Morrie and Gayle settled in Modesto, where their son, David, was born and where they lived happily until Gayle's death in 1987. Morrie was a partner in Valley Sporting Goods for many years. A natural athlete, he was also an avid fisherman and loyal 49ers fan. Morrie married Patricia Newnam Brenneke in 1993. Morrie and Patty enjoyed many years together, traveling in their RV and making annual summer trips to Danville, Arkansas. Morrie is preceded in death by his parents as well as siblings Dick Vollrath, Ralph Vollrath, Dorothy Jones, Ray Nordell, and Roy Nordell. In addition to his wife, Patricia, and son David Nordell, Morrie is survived by his stepson Jeromy, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, brother Ken Nordell, sister Carmen Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. Visitation Nov. 2, 4-8p.m. Memorial service Nov. 3 at 1 p.m.; both at Salas Bros. Funeral Chapel, Modesto. Interment at Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson. www.modbee.com/obituaries