Roland "Jim" Norling

Roland ?Jim? Norling Roland James ?Jim? Norling was born in Garfield, Minnesota, on August 8, 1924, the son of Edward and Irene (Madosh) Norling. He was baptized at the Presbyterian Church in Forada and attended country school District #24 on Highway 29 South. 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 over 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. Jim died on November 10, 2011, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, at the age of 87 years. He is survived byhis 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, 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 on Monday, November 14, 2011, from the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Alexandria, Minnesota, with Rev. Scott Keehn officiating. Music was provided by Diane Alveshere, organist, and Jennifer Maloney, soloist. Interment was in the Lake Mary Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota, with David Norling, Brian Loch, Mitchell Loch, Lance Norling, Ben Norling, and Dale Craig serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbeares 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 the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net