Gunnar Nordahl

Gunnar Nordahl, 78, of Lunenburg, former longtime resident of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Oslo, Norway, Gunnar was the only son of the late Leif A. Nordahl and Gerd H. (Johansen) Nordahl, who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion from a very young age. His parents emigrated to the United States, settling in Newton, Massachusetts when he was only five years old, living there until the family moved to Auburn in 1964. Gunnar graduated from Auburn High School in 1965.

A proud veteran, Gunnar served in the United States Air force from 1965 until his honorable discharge in 1969 as a Staff Sergeant. His military service was a source of pride for him, reflecting his dedication to his country and fellow soldiers. Upon returning home from his service to his country, he married the love of his life, Carol E. Wilbur, on August 3, 1969, at the First Baptist Church in North Oxford. Their 56 years of marriage were a testament to their deep affection for one another and their commitment to family life.

He had a successful career as a dedicated Sales Consultant at R.A. Graham Company, located in Leicester. With his loyalty and wonderful sense of humor, this made him a cherished colleague and friend to so many. He also managed to have time to work as a Referee after working all day. Gunnar was a proud member of the Central Mass Hockey Officiating Association (CMHOA). In his retirement, he worked part-time as a caring staff member of Britton Funeral Homes.

Gunnar's passions extended beyond his work. He loved golfing and spent countless hours on the course, enjoying the camaraderie and friendly competition. He was also an avid boater, relishing the annual family trips to the lakes of New Hampshire. These moments spent with family and friends were some of his happiest, filled with laughter and love.

Always wanting to lend a helping hand, Gunnar and his family volunteered their entire Labor Day Weekends for many years at the Deutsche Bank Golf Championship in Norton, MA.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 56 years, Carol E. (Wilbur) Nordahl; their children, Kirsten DeFelice and her husband Brian, of Lunenburg, and Erik Nordahl and his wife Stephanie, of Holden; grandchildren, Paul, Nicholas, and Jack DeFelice, and Hannah, Emma, Erik, and Julia Nordahl; his sister, Karin Cantwell, of Sturbridge; several nieces, nephews, and extended family members and wonderful friends. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his brother-in-law, Thomas Cantwell. He lived a life full of love and unwavering dedication to his family.

In honoring his memory, the family requests that memorial donations in Gunnar's name can be made to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org/donate), or to a charity of one's choice, reflecting his lifelong commitment to helping others.

Gunnar will be deeply missed, yet his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Gunnar's family from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn. His funeral and burial will be held privately for his immediate family.