Stephen Andrew Norrell

Stephen Andrew Norrell obituary

Stephen Andrew Norrell

Stephen Norrell Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Janssen’s Mat-Su Funeral Home - Palmer on Aug. 28, 2025.

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Stephen (Steve) Andrew Norrell, age 88, died on August 22, 2025 at his home in Anchorage, Alaska.

Steve was born to Stephen and Loretta Norrell in Yonkers, New York. His childhood was spent in the New York City and Westchester County areas of New York State. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science Degree (Biology) from Manhattan College in NYC, a Master of Science Degree (Biology) from the University of Detroit and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Microbiology) from the University of Arizona in Tucson. After completing a year-long fellowship at the U.S. Army Biological Laboratories in Frederick, MD, in 1966, he joined the faculty at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM. In 1970, Steve joined the faculty of the University of Alaska (now University of Alaska- Fairbanks). In 1974, he relocated to Anchorage to establish the science program at the Senior College (now University of Alaska-Anchorage) where he held several academic and administrative positions before retiring in 1995.

In 1966, Steve was united in marriage to Barbara Sue Barnes. They have three children, Karen, Kelley and Joe. Steve enjoyed spending time with his family in the great Alaskan outdoors. His children fondly remember camping and fishing trips anywhere from Fairbanks to Homer, literally! In retirement, Steve enjoyed fly fishing using his own custom-tied flies and handmade fishing rods, target shooting with custom-made rifles and hand-reloaded ammunition, and woodworking. He made furniture, curio boxes, and toys for his grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his wife, Barbara; sister, Katherine Norrell Marron of Barrington, IL; daughters, Karen Grames (Bill) of Houston, TX and Kelley Norrell (Leonard Jolly) of East Wenatchee, WA; son, Joseph Norrell (Stephanie) of Vienna, VA; grandchildren, Stephen Dodge (Jane Au) of Wenatchee, WA, William Dodge of Portland, OR, Aiden Grames and Josie Grames of Houston, TX, Nicholas Norrell of Vienna, VA; and great granddaughter, Sadia of Houston, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents and five aunts and uncles.

According to his wishes, the family is planning a private gathering to celebrate Steve's life by visiting some of his favorite places: the Gulkana River, Talkeetna, Summit Lake and the Russian River. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Janssen’s Mat-Su Funeral Home - Palmer

6901 E. Blue Lupine Drive, Palmer, AK 99654

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