Earl John Noren

Earl John Noren was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota on July 27, 1927 to Halvadan and Violet Noren and was baptized in the Methodist Church. Earl grew up and lived in the small town of Ashton, South Dakota. He graduated from high school in 1945 and started college the next fall at the School of Mines. His schooling was interrupted in December by an invitation to serve his country in World War II. Earl's tour of duty took him to Heidelberg, Germany where he was a motor sargent in the 3rd U.S. Army under Patton. His time in the military and growing up in the Depression-era left a lifelong impression on Earl. Earl used his GI bill to earn an undergraduate degree in Dairy Science & Agriculture Education and pursued two years of graduate work in Agriculture Ed. After earning his undergraduate degree, Earl bought a farm on which he raised cattle and hogs. He farmed, taught agriculture, and served as substitute mail carrier in South Dakota until 1961. Earl then joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers' Home Administration, as an assistant loan officer and then a loan officer until 1987, when he retired. In 1958, the small town farm boy met a big city girl with small town values – the love of his life and lifelong best friend, Roberta. They met on a blind date. Earl knew after the first date that he was going to marry Roberta. They married in August – just 8 months later. Earl and Roberta completed their family with the adoption of Tamara Grace in September of 1967, and Cynthia Beth in September of 1969. He taught his daughters how to fish, throw a baseball and drive a boat – he was a great dad and would spend hours playing catch and explaining how to tie a proper fishing knot so you didn't lose your hook! He was a loving husband and encouraged Roberta to do what made her happy. During their time together when Roberta was very active in the church, he helped in any way he could including getting wiggly little girls dressed and ready for church in their Sunday best. Sunday was for church and family. Earl's years with Farmers' Home Administration brought his family to many towns including Hot Springs and Salem, South Dakota and then into Minnesota to Lyle, Preston, Ortonville, Pine City, and finally Duluth. After a few years of retirement in Minnesota winters, Earl and Roberta headed for Rapid City, South Dakota – to enjoy the change of seasons but with the mild winters and an occasional 70 degree Christmas. A final move brought them back to Minnesota and closer to family. He enjoyed being near his younger daughter Cyndi and her husband Darin and their three children. They were able to spend a lot of time with him, and he cherished every moment of it. They could hardly wait to get inside for their bear hugs from Grandpa. Earl remained in Isanti from 2003 until his death after a brief illness in January of 2011. Earl's hobbies included fishing, wood work, model railroads, and music. The garage was filled with fishing rods and wood working tools, the basement with trains, and the house with music. Earl began playing clarinet at age eight and continued to play in local bands including brass and concert bands – until 2002, and music was always a staple in his home. He also enjoyed singing and was a member of a men's choral group that participated in a 1000 man Big Sing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He always enjoyed talking about his experiences and had many stories about his time in Germany and his day's working with and showing cattle. His stories and experiences will be passed onto his grandkids through us and so he will never be far from our hearts and minds. Chaplain Norm Norland will officiate at funeral services; 11 A.M. Saturday at the Olson Chapel in Rush City with a time of visitation and reviewal one hour prior to the funeral. Earl will be interred in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.