Berdeen Nornes

berdeen nornes
Berdeen Parker Nornes, 86, of Fargo, died Friday, May 01, 2009 at Bethany Homes in Fargo. Bernie was born on September 30, 1922, the oldest son of Bernt and Martha Nornes in Winger, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in Dovre Lutheran Church. He attended Wide Awake Elementary School and graduated from McIntosh High School in 1940. He excelled in sports and continued his love for baseball as a catcher for independent teams in Winger, McIntosh and Thief River Falls. He was an avid sports fan. He attended NYC Business School in Thief River Falls and worked for George Peter’s grocery for two years before entering the service in 1943. He married Alyce Brossoit on October 24, 1944. As a part of the Army Air Corps, he was involved in the India, China, and Burma Campaign from 1943 through 1945. He flew 150 plus combat missions over the hump into China and Burma hauling supplies to the front lines. They had no guns or ammunition so were subject to enemy fire on every mission. He was awarded many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross and an air medal with two oak leaf clusters of which he and his family are very proud. He returned to Thief River Falls, MN and worked for Danielson & Prior Electric until moving to the Minneapolis area in 1956. He completed his working career with Home Furniture and Conlins Furniture in the Fargo/Moorhead area retiring in 1987. He married Jill Denis on August 9, 1965 and they made their residence in Fargo. They moved to Bethany Homes in 2006. He was a friend of Bill’s and served as a treasurer in the organization for many years. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Fargo. Bernie enjoyed playing golf, bowling, baseball, softball and basketball. He loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Maurice and George and son-in-law: James Helgeland. He is survived by his wife: Jill, a resident of Bethany Homes and four daughters: Nancy Olson, Naples, FL, Mary (Tom) Stoltman, Edina, MN, Barb (John) Larson, Thief River Falls, MN, Dianne (David) Myhrer, Middle River, MN; 9 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; sister: Idelle (Roger) Bagne, Detroit Lakes, MN; brother: Harold (Marge) Nornes, Smyrna, TN; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2009 at St. John Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND with a Prayer Service at 5:00 p.m. Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens Arrangements entrusted to Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Online guestbook at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.

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