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 1947. 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.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday October 3, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday October 3, 2014
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday October 4, 2014
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower
Miles City, MT 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday October 4, 2014
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday October 3, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday October 3, 2014
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday October 4, 2014
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower
Miles City, MT 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday October 4, 2014
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Scott and Sue Jens says
Ron and family,
We are sad to hear the news of your fathers death, our prayers go out to all of you in hour of need.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Arlo’s family: We are sad to learn that Arlo passed away. We loved visiting with him and will always remember his kind twinkling eyes and grin. God Bless you all in your sorrow at this time. Prayers.
Ernest and Esther Nelson says
He was a special person and didn’t mind the visit to the office for help . Had time to visit about Ne. . Miss him and know you will too. Our sympathy and prayers . Blessing to each of you .
Larry and Carol Hudson says
Ron, Melody and the Nansel family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of your father. Blessings to you all.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Ron, Melody and family,
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May God’s peace be with you all.
Debbie Weyer says
Ron, Melody & family…. So sorry to hear of Arlo’s passing. What a kind & gentle soul he was. “DEATH leaves a heartache no one can heal LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal” author unknown. Let God wrap you in his arms during this difficult time. PLEASE, let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Amelia & JJ Ramirez says
Ron, Melody, Brett, Sarah, Brian, Irma and Kids-
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. JJ and I are glad for the opportunity to have met and been charmed by Grandpa Arlo.
Please take care,
The Ramirez Family
Sandi Updyke says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Many memories of a great life!!!! May the Lord bless you. Bud and Nadine Holter Sandi and Jim Updyke
Fred and Vicky Anderson says
Just heard about Arlo. I always thought he was such a gentleman and he was our family Dentist for many years. I loved visiting with him and know you will miss him greatly. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Fred & Vicky Anderson
Jacki (Balsam,Oe) Fayram says
I remember buying foals from Arlo, Sunday’s Psalm for Brooke, and Miriah.. great memories about a great person..
Deepest Sympathy…
Tammy Pecha/Mallett Family says
So sorry for your loss,Dr Nansel was one of a kind.Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Deibel Jones says
Dr. Nansel was the Deibel family dentist for many years. He was so kind and patient with my four daughters, even when they squirmed and wiggled on the twice yearly visits. I’m sorry for your family’s loss.
Ken & Lynn Price says
Lynn and I were saddened to hear of your loss and want to express our most sincere condolances to each one of you.
We hope that your fondest memories of your father, grandfather and great grandfather comfort you forever.
Tim and Debbie Irion says
We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Nansel was always a gentleman. Please know that you are in our thoughts during this sad time.
Susan Mosby says
Ron and family:
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I met him and he was a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face and seemed like he was on top of the world. He will be missed. Remember the smiles and it will make the sadness easier.
Susan
Peggy Pyle says
Ron and Family,
I was sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I have fond memories of your dad and his soft spoken ways and kind eyes. He was so good to my Jeremy and Jeremy admired him so very much. He will be missed for sure but I know he is with his beloved Ruth and that he is happy about that. God bless all of you as you get through these next few days, weeks and months together.
Peggy and Family
Bob & Charlotte Grover says
Dr. Nansel was so nice to work for. So sorry to hear about his passing. Our prayers are
with all the family.
Sharron Lee says
My condolences to your family. I am so sad to hear about Dr. Nansel. He was our family dentist, and was such a warm, caring, friendly man. I enjoyed going to see him while in grade school and high school. I am very proud to say that dentists in other states commented regularly on the excellent, long lasting dental work that he did for me. He will be missed.
Sharron Lee
clara jo (Arneson) Sikveland says
In my thoughts and prayers.God Bless
Deb ( Moths ) Schmeling says
Sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap his loving arms around each one of you and give you comfort and peace.
Deb Schmeling
Debbie Zignego says
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a wonderful, kind-hearted man and I will always remember how good he was to me at a difficult time in my life.
J Johnson says
Dear family of Dr. Arlo Dale Nansel – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May the Creator give you peace through his sure promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Cherish all your happy memories and I hope you are consoled by Bible promises (John 17:3).
Jeannette Larsen says
I’m so sorry about the passing of your dad and father in law. What a wonderful man and my favorite dentist. He was so kind, gentle and professional at all times. God Bless You both.
Robert says
Your Dad more Then prepared me for a lifetime of dental problems when I was seven …hit in the face by a horse with a Saddlehorn your father mended me over a long period of time with a pedal drill.RIP and thanks for having on seventh Street in your front window where I would wake up and people would be looking at me I will cherish these moments the rest of my life seriously