John Nokland, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and devoted community servant, passed away peacefully at the age of 88, surrounded by the love and presence of his cherished family.
Born on April 13, 1938, John took great pride in his Norwegian heritage and culture, maintaining strong ties to his homeland throughout his life. Before coming to America, he was one of only eleven thousand to serve in the UN Peacekeeping Force with the Norwegian Battalion in the Sinai Desert and the Gaza Strip. In 1960, John immigrated to the United States, working to support his family abroad. He first settled in Brooklyn, New York, before moving to New Jersey, where he met the love of his life, Loretta Mary Oppelt. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in Christian faith and strong family values. He was predeceased by his beloved bride of over 50 years, Loretta Nokland.
For the past 56 years, John made his home in Montgomery, New York. A master craftsman, John spent decades building homes and laying hardwood floors across the country, later lending his talent and skill to Brescia Pole Buildings. His dedication to craftsmanship was matched only by his commitment to service: John was a lifetime member of the Montgomery Fire Department with over 50 years of active service. Nothing gave him greater pride in his volunteer service than sitting behind the wheel as a proud driver of the Montgomery Fire Department Ladder Truck.
An avid outdoorsman and walker, John found immense peace and joy in nature. He was a passionate deer and pheasant hunter, and at home, he could often be found outside playing with his dogs and thoughtfully caring for local birds and squirrels. Above all, his greatest pride and joy remained his growing family.
John is survived by his five loving children: Laura Anne Roemmelt and her husband John; John Nokland and his wife Cynthia; Joanne Vella and her husband Chris; Raymond Nokland; and Stephen Nokland.
He was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren: Rachel Roemmelt, Megan Roemmelt, Christopher John Vella, Sarah Vella, Andrew Vella, James Vella, Isabelle (Nokland) Shiner and her husband Will, Abigail Nokland, Connor Nokland, and Caidyn Nokland.
John is also survived by his siblings in Norway: his brothers Olav Arnar and Helge, and his sisters Tone and Annlaug, along with many dear extended family members and friends.
John’s legacy of quiet strength, community service, and unwavering love for his family will be cherished forever by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held at Overhiser Funeral Home, 78 Union St. Montgomery, NY 12549 on Friday October 16, 2026 from 1-3 PM and 6-8 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Name of Mary Church, 89 Union St. Montgomery, NY 12549 on Saturday October 17, 2026 at 10 AM. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Donations in John’s name may be made to the Montgomery Fire Department PO Box 8 Montgomery, NY 12549 or to the Advisory Board for Senior Citizens, Inc. P.O. Box 222 Montgomery, NY 12549.