Celebrating the Life of Alice Jean Weisdorfer Davis Nordick
Alice Jean, preferring to be called Jeany or Jean, was born June 14th, 1933, to Lawrence and Grace (Herschler) Weisdorfer. The eldest of 4 children, Jean spent her childhood years growing up on a farm in the Prairie Queen District North of Haswell, CO. Jean attended her first years of school at Prairie Queen and later rode the school bus to Eads Grade School.
In 1946, Jean’s parents and siblings, moved to the Black Forest area and later on to Denver. During this time, Jean stayed with her Grandparents for the remaining school year. She attended High School at South High in Denver, Graduating on June 5th 1951 from Denver West High School. It was during this time, Jean met 2nd Class Airman Ken Davis Jr. He was originally from NJ and at the time was stationed at Lowry Airforce Base, Denver. As written by Jean, their first date was Senior Prom. A relationship blossomed but by August, Ken was to be stationed overseas for the next 18 months. Upon his return for a 30 day leave period, Jean and Ken were married in a home ceremony on Dec 27, 1952. Ken returned to Germany for an additional 18 months and Jean moved to New Jersey to live with Ken’s parents. Upon returning to civilian life, Jean helped support her husband’s education while he attended Denver University. After receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Ken was hired by Texaco and relocated to Phoenix, Arizona.
In 1960 Jean gave birth to their first daughter, Lori Ellen Davis who, due to complications at birth, did not survive. At that time, Ken’s job with Texaco took them to Ardmore Texas, and later to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they were able to settle.
In 1963, June 25th, while visiting family, Jean gave birth to their 2nd daughter, Lisa Jean Davis at the St. Joseph’s Hospital, Denver CO. Lisa was her Daddy’s Pride and Joy. It was just prior to their 2nd Christmas that Ken’s health had started to decline and he passed away April 15, 1966.
While living in Minnesota, Jean became close friends with two sisters Carol and Tamara Sparks. Upon the loss of her late husband, Jean and her friends had decided to move to San Francisco pending an opportunity to continue working for her then boss. Through a family connection, Jean reached out to Willard, an old childhood classmate, upon learning that his wife had become ill.
Upon Willards wife’s Lois’ passing, Jean reached out once again with a sympathy card. After having moved to San Francisco, she planned to pick up her daughter, Lisa, that had been spending the summer with her Grandparents in Eads, CO. Willard offered to pick her up at the airport and take her to Eads. A friendship was rekindled and in the next few months, Jean and Willard’s relationship blossomed to bring 2 families of heartbreak together to become one. On December 3rd 1966, in a simple ceremony at the Nordick’s home a father less little girl and two mother less siblings became a family upon a union of their parents.
Throughout the years, Jean helped run the family restaurant businesses and raise their children. She enjoyed being a part of the family's love of horses, traveling all over, summer and winter activities and especially music.
Jean was a proficient seamstress throughout her lifetime. Jean made over 120 of Willards Western Shirts and a Suit. She made down coats for family and friends. Her most recent endeavor in sewing was making Denim Quilts for family friends and the community. She also was interviewed by the Limon Leader for making lap-quilts for the residents at Hugo Nursing Home.
After the family left the restaurant business, Jean continued to work using her business skills.
She worked at Monk’s Construction, the Safari Motel, New York Life Insurance where she was the Top Agent for the State of Colorado, as well as Avon, Eniva. Youngevity was her latest endeavor.
Over the last 20 years, she also provided care to her mother, mother in law, daughter’s mother in-law and many other people in the community. Jean was a force of nature. At times stubborn, strong willed and very tenacious.
Throughout the years, she opened her home to those in need. She loved the Lord, and her service to him, having Sunday Morning Meeting in the home for over 60 years.
She became a Grandmother to 11, a Great Grandmother to 15, and a Great-Great-Grandmother to 3.
Jean quietly passed away in the attendance of a family friend care giver at the family home on May 4th, 2021.
Memorial contributions:
Limon Ambulance Service
P.O. Box 374
Limon, CO 80828