Ernest "Ernie" Tordale

Ernest “Ernie” Tordale passed away on September 28, 2024, at Peace Hospice in Great Falls. He was born in Great Falls, MT on October 22, 1944, to Alvina (Ruff) and Erling Tordale.

He grew up in the Sunny Slope area, attended grade school at Golden Ridge, and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1963.  Ernie joined the service and was based at March Air Force Base in California. He was trained as a cable splicer. He was home on leave when he met the love of his life, Karen Maxwell, at a dance on New Years Eve 1964. They were later married in Billings, MT in November 1965. In May of 1966, they welcomed their son, Jason, into the world.  Ernie was discharged from the service and returned to Montana in 1967. They lived in Choteau, MT where he worked for his uncle, Herman Tordale, and then moved to Great Falls, MT where he worked for Boeing on Malmstrom Air Force Base and later for the Anaconda Company. Later that same year, they welcomed their daughter, Charla, to the family in October of 1967. In 1968, they bought their first home with acreage in Greenfield. Then, in 1971, Ernie went to work for Mountain Bell working as a lineman and later that year took another position within the company as an installer/repair man that led them to the farm near Ledger, MT outside of Conrad, MT where they would spend many years to come. He retired from the phone company in 2007 but continue to run cattle and work on the farm until December 2014 when his health no longer allowed his passion to continue. He faced many obstacles when it came to his health, and he and Karen needed to be closer to medical facilities and doctors, so they made the move to Great Falls, MT in 2016 where he resided until his passing.

Ernie enjoyed stream fishing as a young boy and spent countless hours outside as he enjoyed the outdoors and his horse, Cloud.  In later years, Ernie enjoyed tending to his cattle and building farm sets for the grandkids to play with. He believed everyone should have a good “angel food cake” for their birthday - regardless if you like angel food or not. He made some of the best angel food cakes around for the kids and grandkids. He would never turn down a good strawberry milkshake. He had a fondness for watching all western movies on television and was an avid supporter of football, basketball, and any sport his grandchildren or other relatives participated in.  Ernie had a unique passion for collecting “bolts” and his appreciation for electrical tape was well-known among his family. He also enjoyed singing to his great-granddaughter, often delighting her with the tune, “I got a girl cute as can be, her name is Adelynn, yes sir ye.” Some of his favorite places were his farm and the mountains, where he found peace and happiness.

He leaves behind his wife, Karen, of 58 years; daughter, Charla (Dennis) Rearden; daughter in law, Cathy Tordale; granddaughters, Kelly (Jason) Carroll and Delaney (Ian) McIntosh; grandsons, Derek (Jen) VandenBos and Darin (Christi) VandenBos; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirlie (Harold) Klinker and Linda (Dave) Brownell; brother, Stan (Diane) Tordale; in addition to many special nieces and nephews. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Erling and Alvina Tordale; in-laws, James and Belva Maxwell; his son, Jason Tordale; brothers-in-law, Ray Graf and Larry Moser; and several aunts and uncles.

Ernest Tordale will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his dedication to his work, and his joyful spirit that touched the lives of all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Ernie’s family would like to extend the deepest gratitude to the staff of the Pine Tree Beehive in Great Falls, Benefis Hospital, and Benefis Peace Hospice.

Ernie, you will be greatly missed!