Einar Offerdahl Jr., 77
Early in the morning of Oct. 9, 2024, the world’s greatest Fleetwood Mac enthusiast decided to "go (his) own way" passing peacefully in his sleep at home in Pullman, Wahington. When notifying the family, the officials astutely noted that Einar Offerdahl Jr., 77, was a proud Norwegian deeply loved by an expansive family.
Einar was born in 1946 in the topmost bedroom of the Laegreid home in Aardalstangen, Norway. At the time of Einar’s birth, this small town at the very end of the Sognefjord was recovering from a prolonged and intense German occupation. His time in Norway would be brief, but anyone who met Einar would say that you can take the boy out of Norway, but you can’t take the Viking out of the man.
Einar emigrated to the US to his father’s homestead near Conrad, before his second birthday. Though an only child, life on the wheat farm was not lonely; Einar spent time with and enjoyed his Norwegian uncles who had also homesteaded in the region and played with cousins Ramsey Offerdal, who would later be the best man at Einar’s wedding, and Susan (Offerdal) Bacon.
Eastern Montana prairie is no substitute for the fjords of Norway. Unsurprisingly Einar’s parents purchased a second home near Flathead Lake, a place reminiscent of the fjords. In the red Lakeside schoolhouse, Einar met his best friend, Richard "Dick" Mattson. Lifelong friends, the two have shared their love of hunting, wilderness, mischief, and the quiet conversation of introverts for over 65 years.
Like many of his generation, Einar’s life was deeply but silently impacted by the US involvement during the Vietnam War. He joined the US Army in 1967 and was stationed in Korea as a medic. While in the service, Einar earned himself a red Ford convertible by playing hearts for a penny a point with his fellow servicemen. He was honorably discharged in 1969 and returned to civilian life working in various capacities for the Department of the Interior. Einar’s longest post was with the National Park Service as the procurement officer for Glacier National Park. He enjoyed lunch outdoors most days, sometimes calling his children to brag about goats, deer, and bears that joined him for his lunch break.
Einar would say that his life changed indefinitely when he met Vicki Lee Hagen while working at the Bureau of Land Management. He was captivated by how clever, playful, loving, and independent she was, not to mention her abundant laughter, beauty, and commitment to family. The two were married in 1976. Stops along the journey after marriage drew a varied pathway across western Montana. Missoula, Butte, Whitehall, Troy, Bigfork, and finally Kalispell, all felt the presence of the family.
Einar counted himself blessed to raise four children with Vicki, all of whom survive him: Gary Offerdahl, Kristy (Offerdahl) Williams, Erika Gudrun Offerdahl, Einar Offerdahl III). His children were, by his own words, the light of his life. There was no joy greater than a house packed with children, grandchildren, and random rabble rousers — the louder the better. Einar enjoyed the extra raucous that Vicki’s brother Norman and his three kids would bring over Thanksgiving and Christmas. As his children grew older, Einar reveled in hosting an annual New Year’s Eve party complete with his signature drink "Viking Skaals," a ping-pong tournament, and Rock Band performances in the living room.
Words cannot adequately describe all that Einar was during his time here in Midgard. But he will indisputably be remembered as a man of great integrity who was undeniably committed to family near and far.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Vicki Lee (Hagen) Offerdahl; father, Einar Offerdahl; mother, Ida (Rosvold) Offerdahl; and birth mother, Sigfrid (Laegreid) Eaton. He is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three half-brothers — all of whom are lifting a drinking vessel yelling "Skaal!" to wish him safe travels to the afterlife.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Buffalo Saloon, Bigfork.