Thomas Norton

Thomas Paul "Tom" Norton, age 91, of Crookston, MN, died at his home peacefully early Sunday morning, April 7, 2013, with his wife, Alice, and other family members at his side. Tom was born at Walker, MN on April 4, 1922, the son of Lon and Lorna (Morrill) Norton. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and received his early years of education at Walker. At the age of 10 he and his family moved to a farm near East Grand Forks, MN and he attended a nearby country school. Tom moved to San Francisco, CA during the WWII years and was employed as a welder in the Kaiser Shipyards, building ships in aid of the war effort. He later returned to East Grand Forks and immediately met a young schoolteacher named Alice Kliner, who was staying with the Norton family while teaching at the country school. Love blossomed and Tom and Alice were united in marriage on October 21, 1946. Their marriage would be blessed by the births of 8 children. The couple farmed northwest of Euclid, MN until the mid-1950's. Tom then sold the farm and with his family moved to Crookston, where he purchased land in the northeast part of the city and developed housing lots. He later worked in maintenance for several large businesses in the Crookston-Grand Forks area. As his working years were drawing to a close he provided maintenance and janitorial services at the Northwestern Clinic. He was dearly loved by the nurses and staff, and it was with a touch of sadness for themselves, tempered by happiness for Tom, that they bid him goodbye at a retirement reception in 1987. Tom dedicated his life to Alice, and the children they took such great joy in nurturing. He was equally as committed to his faith, and was happiest when giving of his time and talents in helping others. In retirement, and for well over twenty-five years, he served as a lead Eucharistic Minister for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and had assisted the Parish priests at nearly every funeral mass held at the church during that time period. Tom had a passion for the outdoors, and doing gardening and yard work; especially if it meant doing it with Alice. He enjoyed woodworking, providing maintenance service for family and friends, and was also a very talented musician. Tom could pick up nearly any instrument, such as the accordion, banjo, violin, or harmonica, and playing so naturally that people had a hard time believing he had never had a lesson. A quote from 'Life and Love in the North Woods', a collection of stories authored by Tom himself, and published by his children in May 2012, included the following snippet from the forward; "What we can take from these stories are life lessons of love, forgiveness, understanding, reward, and above all, faith. A faith in a higher power, yes, but also faith in family, friends and friendship, community and service. Lessons that we bring to our efforts every day." May God bless Tom's memory. Sharing Tom's unconditional love was his beloved wife of 66 years, Alice; their 8 children and spouses: Angela Norton Lagarde (Bill) of Duluth, MN, Sharon Norton Welsh (Leonard) of Plano, TX, Faye Norton of Apple Valley, MN, Bonnie Norton Oldre (Randy) of Minneapolis, MN, Linda Norton Johnson (Tim) of Princeton, MN, Timothy Norton (Michelle) of Champlin, MN, Dorothy Norton Hull (Mike) and Mary Norton of Apple Valley; 21 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. He also leaves 2 brothers, Robert Norton and David Norton of East Grand Forks, MN; 3 sisters, Mary Norton Schindler of Red Lake Falls, MN, Nora Norton Pearson of Nebraska, and Rita Norton Finn of California; as well as, several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lon and Lorna; and 2 brothers, James and John Norton.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas Paul Norton will be celebrated at 10:30am, Saturday, April 13, 2013, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with The Rev. Vincent Miller, presiding. Visitation will be at the Cathedral on Friday from 5-8:00PM, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:30PM, followed by a prayer service at 8:00PM. There will also be visitation for one hour prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Tom's name to the charity of your choice.





Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, April 12, 2013
Service
Saturday, April 13, 2013
cemetery
Saturday, April 13, 2013