Dr. Arlo Dale Nansel ~ August 28, 1923 - September 26, 2014

 

 Dr. Arlo Dale Nansel passed away on Friday, September 26th, 2014 at the age of 91.

     Arlo’s life began in Myers Montana on August 28, 1923 the son of Joseph E. and Phoebe Nansel, the fourth of five children.

     Riding horseback to and from one-room country schools, or to the bus stop, he seldom missed a day and often earned perfect attendance for the year.  After attending Edwards Creek and Rancher elementary schools in Myers, he graduated from Hysham High School in 1941 and worked a year for the Rural Electric Administration as a lineman to earn enough money to enroll in college at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.

     From the age of ten years old, Arlo was determined to become a dentist. June 14th, 1947 he achieved this ambitious goal in the Los Angeles Coliseum receiving his College of Dentistry Degree from the University of Southern California. This accomplishment was representative of his dedication, self-discipline, honesty, sacrifice and strong character which were all attributes he exhibited throughout his personal and professional life. From the humble beginnings of a homestead family more than struggling through The Great Depression, Arlo evolved and survived to become a successful and respected dentist in Miles City opening his dental practice September 16th, 1947. Sixty-five years later in July of 2012, Dr. Nansel retired as the longest practicing dentist in the history of Montana and was honorably recognized by the Montana State Dental Association and The American Dental Association.

     August 15th, 1948 Arlo Dale Nansel and Ruth Marie Anderson were united in marriage at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. To this marriage of sixty years four daughters and one son provided countless hours of practicing parenting skills and late night road trips to a variety of activities of their children and grandchildren. For over sixty-five years Dr. Nansel was a fixture at the CCDHS gymnasium attending boys and girls basketball games.  From early days in the balcony of the old gym to the present basketball court which was built while he served on the School District One Board of Trustees, few basketball fans logged more hours on those bleachers than Arlo.

     In addition to attending the events and activities important in the lives of his children and grandchildren Arlo found time or made time to be involved in the community and serving in a number of various capacities and leadership positions including: Montana Dental Association – Life Member; American Dental Association – Life Member; American College of Dentists – Life Member; Southern California Dental Alumni – Life Member; Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity-Life Member; The Miles City Club – Life Member; Elks –Life Member; Rotary – Life Member; American Quarter Horse Association, Appaloosa Horse Club Inc., Miles Community College Board of Trustees, School District #1 Board of Trustees, Miles City Planning Board, Custer County Health Board, Sage Riders, First Lutheran Church, and Grace Bible Church.

      Dr. Nansel was appointed by Governor Babcock in 1964 to serve a term as President of The Montana State Board of Dental Examiners. In this capacity he was responsible for writing and administering the exams and evaluating the actual practical work of the aspiring dentists applying for board certification to practice dentistry in the state of Montana.

     Arlo enlisted in the United States Navy in November 1942 and was honorably discharged in June 1943. His home base was the Thirteenth Naval District, Seattle Washington. He fondly remembered the overwhelming experience as a member of the Naval Color Guard while they presented the American Flag at a Rose Bowl football game surrounded by ninety thousand plus fans.

     Living in Los Angeles for several years while attending dental school solidified Arlo’s decision to return to Montana. A country boy at heart, he remained close to his original roots and life-style in Eastern Montana as exemplified by his love of land, cattle and horses his entire life.  He achieved much success with his horses; racing, showing and raising them for well over thirty-five years often numbering over one hundred fifty head. His accomplishments included a World Champion, United States and Canadian National Champions along with a trophy room full of state and regional awards.

     Dr. Arlo Nansel is survived by his son Ron (Melody) Nansel of Miles City, daughters Darla (Jim) Orestad of Bozeman, Debi (Jerry) Schaefer of Newport News, VA, Denise Nansel of Pocatello, ID, and Deena, (Pat) Power of Phoenix, AZ.  Eleven grandchildren; Damon (Robin) Orestad, Alex Orestad, Brett (Sarah) Nansel, Brian (Irma) Nansel, Ashley Schaefer, Jessica (Matthew) McGill, James (Lauren) Schaefer, Michael Schaefer, Reece Power, Nolan Power and Lexi Power, and six great-grandchildren; Patrick Orestad, Tyler, Ryan, and Kate Nansel, Cooper and Cash Nansel.

     Visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2014 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church.  Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery with full military honors.  Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.  Condolences may be made to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.

     Should friends desire, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Print this post