1925
2018
Longtime valley resident Jonathan H. Norbo passed away on April 17, 2018, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska.
He was born in Culdesac, Idaho, on March 16, 1925, to Hugh and Louise Norbo.
He loved the Lord from an early age and liked to say that his birthday matched his favorite Bible verse, John 3:16. He went to school and helped out in his father's grocery store until he decided to join his older brother, Wes, who was already in Alaska, working for Evan Jones Coal Company.
At 17, he boarded the SS Yukon and made his way north. He was subsequently drafted into the Army and was sent to Fort Richardson and then to Shemya, Alaska, where he completed his military commitment.
He continued his coal mining career until the mine closed down, then worked at the docks in Anchorage for Standard Oil and finally, retired from the Mat-Su Borough School District.
He met and married Violet Werner in 1957, and they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. She preceded him just six weeks ago.
Jonathan, the quintessential gentleman, was known to offer aid and kindness to any and all. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever cherish his wonderful memory.
He is survived by his children, Daniel Norbo and Vivian (Andy) Smith; granddaughters, Rachel (Justyn) Smith of Peoria, Ill., and Sarah (David) Edgerton of Palmer; and great-grandchildren, Lyla, Lane and Landon Edgerton and Lydia Smith; and siblings, Pauline Boytim, Eunice Ellis, Lois McMahon, Samuel Norbo, Philip Norbo, Rachel Joecks and Stephen Norbo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Wes Norbo, Elizabeth Grasser, Janet Oliva and Norline Rendall.
Funeral services were held on April 27, 2018, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Palmer. He was laid to rest next to his loving and late wife at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery.
Arrangements cared for by Janssen's Mat-Su Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
My condolences Vivian and family
Sandra Palmer
May 9, 2018
I am trully and deeply sorry for your loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Jonathan. May the God of all comfort grant you peace and strength during this difficult time (psalm 29:11)
M C
April 28, 2018
May you have peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of your loved one. The God of comfort is ready to comfort those broken in heart. My deepest sympathies to the family. 2 Thess. 2:16,17
K C
April 27, 2018
With my sincere deepest sympathies to your family. May your treasured memories continue to provide a measure of comfort and peace to the family. Please be strengthened from Isaiah 61:1,2 our God "binds up the broken-hearted and comforts all who mourn"
April 26, 2018
Such a meaningful tribute. May the Lord give peace and comfort to all the family. ❤
Rachel Joecks
April 26, 2018
You were a HUGE part of Slack's Sugar Shack Bakery....always their to unlock the doors in the morning & help get the day started!! The circle of friends that gathered @ the table each morning to help work the puzzle & to talk of the Lord are precious memories that I will treasure for my lifetime. We all had a lot of fun conquering the worlds problems & just enjoying life together. Thanks for being you & all the great memories. Love Nedra Slack / Gray
Nedra Slack / Gray
April 23, 2018
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