Former Lake Andrew resident Jim Norling died. His son, Alan, was Stan's first grade classmate at District 24 country school in rural Alexandria back in the 50s. During winters, some Rolfsrud kids would walk across the lake to the Norling home to watch Pinky Lee on one of the only televisions in the township. Before his passing, Jim Norling attended the District 24 Reunion organized by Stan, Lorlee, Sosie and others this summer and featured on this blog. We found these photos in Stan's reunion file. Lorlee sent the obituary from the Echo.
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| The late Jim Norling chatted with a friend this summer at the District 24 All-School reunion. His brother, Enfred, who also attended, preceded him in death this fall. |
As a young man, Jim worked on the family farm and began driving a milk truck at the age of 15. When he was 20 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy and spent the greater part of his Navy career at Pearl Harbor.
On December 11, 1946, Jim was united in marriage to JoAnne Johnson at the Congregational Church in Alexandria. The couple lived in Alexandria and raised their family of five children in Alexandria. Jim spent most of his working career as a gas transportation driver for Midland Co-op and eventually for Land O’ Lakes. In all, he spent more than 40 years as a truck driver. The last five years he spent driving for Douglas County and retired in 1989.
Jim was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping on Lake Mina. He was a humble man who was extremely loyal with a strong work ethic. He was very proud of his Naval service and was also devoted to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, JoAnne Norling of Alexandria; children, Alan (Cynthia) Norling of Alexandria, DiAnne (Mike) Loch of Alexandria, Kurtis (Suzanne) Norling of Alexandria, Lea (Renee) Norling of Alexandria and Brad (Gayle) Norling of Forest Lake. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one to be born; a sister, R’Dene (Robert) Everett of New Brighton, and John Swanson and wife Jan of Inver Grove Heights.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Enfred “Shorty” Norling and Worrell (Norma) Norling.
Funeral services were held Monday, November 14 from First Congregational United Church of Christ in Alexandria with the Rev. Scott Keehn officiating. Music was provided by Diane Alveshere, organist, and Jennifer Maloney, soloist. Interment was at Lake Mary Cemetery in Alexandria with David Norling, Brian Loch, Mitchell Loch, Lance Norling, Ben Norling and Dale Craig serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Denene Norling, Matthew Gustafson, Melanie Akeya, Alison Block, Sarah Craig, Leaonna Norling, Tracy Beck, Jamie Klimek, Megan Norling and Nick Norling.
Military honors were accorded by American Legion Post #87, VFW Post #936, and the Minnesota National Guard.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.
11/16/2011 8:47 PM
JoAnn and family - I'm so glad my brother Don and I got to come up to the District 24 all school reunion this summer, and were able to chat a bit with both Enfred and Jim. The Hiebel family farm was only a mile or so away from the Norling homestead, and I remember the family fondly. My mother ( Anne) was in the "longest running birthday club" and always thought so highly of all the members and of you and Percy. My prayers are with you. KEN HIEBEL
the District 24 reunion. Mr. Norling died this fall, preceding his brother.