Robert William Norstad

Robert William Norstad, 69, of Lanesboro, passed away Friday, June 19, 2015, at his home.

Bob was born Oct. 11, 1945, to Edna (Paul) and Orlando Norstad in Red Wing. He grew up in Cannon Falls. Bob graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1964. After graduation he joined the Navy and toured the Mediterranean on the aircraft carrier the USS American CVA 66. He married Martha Lindell on March 18, 1967, at Spring Garden Lutheran Church. Bob and Martha made their home in Cannon Falls; Arlington, Texas; and Lanesboro. The couple moved to Lanesboro in 1983 with their four children. Bob worked in construction as the owner of Norstad & Son Roofing. Later he worked at Lanesboro Building Center, Jim's Building Center and The Home Depot.

Bob was an active member of the American Legion, and retired from the Lanesboro Fire Department in 2004 after 20 years of service. Bob enjoyed softball, bowling, golfing, playing cribbage and cards, and his morning coffee with friends at the Chat N Chew. Bob also loved fishing with his sons, and spending time with his nine grandchildren. Bob enjoyed watching the Twins, Gophers and Vikings. However, watching the Vikings only stressed him out. 

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 48 years, Martha; four children, Michelle (Chris) Cook of Maple Grove, Kelly (Dwayne) Jahnke of Pine Island, Jeffrey (Sara) Norstad of Pine Island, and Justin (Mandy Jo) Norstad of Rochester; nine grandchildren, Mira and Amelia Cook; Chesney, Logan, and Sydney Jahnke; Abigail and Nicholas Norstad; and Annabelle and Jacob Norstad; siblings, Orlando, Jr. (Kathy) Norstad, Gary (Mary) Norstad, James (Bonnie) Norstad, Steve (Linda) Norstad, Jarle (Debra) Norstad, Kristi Fuller and Debra Norstad. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; sister, RoseAnn Lindsey; father-in-law, Willard Lindell; and brother-in-law, Gary Benson.

A funeral service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 11 a.m.Tuesday, June 23, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 200 Kenilworth Ave. S in Lanesboro, with Rev. Kerry Eversole officiating.

Visitation will be at the church today, June 22, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements.

To share a memory of Bob with the family please visit rileyfuneralhomes.com. 

Bob will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. As he would always say, "Twins are on!"