Frank Gerald Nordlie's Obituary
Frank Gerald Nordlie, a retired University of Florida zoology professor, died February 12 at age 93, following a period of declining health that began with a fall in his home two years ago.
As a lad in small-town Minnesota, Frank developed a love of fishing; it led him to a career involving the study of fish and their habitats. After Frank earned a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Minnesota and married his college sweetheart, Esther Ellison, he accepted an entry-level faculty position with the University of Florida’s zoology department and the couple relocated to Gainesville in summer 1961.
For 40 years, Frank taught basic biology courses to undergraduates, and advanced courses on topics such as limnology, the study of lakes as ecosystems. One of his research efforts investigated how some fish, such as mullet, tolerate a wide range of water salinity levels.
Frank and Esther raised two sons and showed them the natural wonders of Florida, visiting state parks, oceanfront campgrounds, sparkling springs, nature trails. When the boys married and had children of their own, the traditions were continued. Through it all, Frank loved to fish – salt water or fresh, in a boat or from a dock, with kids or without. He also loved seafood, boating, televised football, cookouts, classical music, chocolate-coated peanuts, reading, gardening, photography and teaching. He really loved teaching.
Frank is survived by his wife, Esther, sons Tom (Michele) and Bill (Shannon) and grandchildren Sophia, Olivia and Gus, as well as a sister, Mary Carlson of Camden, ME, a sister-in-law, Sally Nordlie of Grand Forks, ND, and numerous nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his father and mother, Peter Conrad Nordlie and Myrtle (Spindler) Nordlie of New London, MN, brothers Bob and Paul, and in-laws on both the Nordlie and Ellison sides of the family.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown Chapel 404 North Main, Gainesville, FL 32601
The Nordlie family wishes to thank Ms. Tamica Sampson of Ovation Home Care for the loving, energetic and indispensable help she provided to Frank.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks well-wishers to consider making a donation to the charity of their choice.
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