Norstrom, Dale E., YNC

Dale Elton Norstrom, born June 9, 1931, 83 years 18 days old, passed on at Morningside Manor in Alcester, SD on June 27, 2014. 

Dale was the second of three children born in Sioux Falls, SD to Fernace “Dick” and Rosalie (Mundt) Norstrom. 

He graduated from Washington High School in 1950 and enlisted in the US Navy where he completed basic training at Great Lakes, IL. In the service, Dale served on eight ships including the CVE 115 Bairoko during the Korean Conflict. After returning, he joined the Naval Reserve in Sioux Falls. He also served as the Post Commander of the Sioux Falls American Legion from 1970-71. He then retired from the military in 1991 after 41 years of service having earned numerous honors including: Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal/2 hour glasses, Korean Service Medal/1 star, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy Achievement Medal. 

United in marriage to Phyllis Brooks in April 9, 1955. They built their home and family together initially in Sioux Falls, SD and then in Harrisburg, SD where he had lived for over 35 years. 

Dale retired from Northern States Power (NSP/Xcel) after 35 years of service and was always extremely active in his community with special focus in Military and Veterans affairs. Among other groups and organizations he was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW. Additionally he was a member of the Military Order of the Cooties, 40 & 8, Tristate Navy Chiefs, the Board of Directors for the Battleship Memorial Foundation, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee of the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Go Getters Club and the VFW and American Legion Honor Guards as well as being involved with the CVE 115 Bairoko Association, the National Kidney Foundation, Meals on Wheels, Historical Society of Hartford, the Indian Guides and Gray Y programs of the YMCA and a Junior Achievement Advisor. Dale was recognized with numerous awards including Legionnaire of the Year (1964, 1991), Naval Reservist of the Year (1965), Citizen of the Year (1980), Veteran of the Year (1991, 2006), Golden Rule Award Nominee (1996) and Senior of the Month (1997). He was also a long time member of the First Congregational Church of Sioux Falls. 

Dale is survived by his brother Don (Dette) Norstrom, Sun City, AZ and five children, Barb Norstrom, Omaha, Dianne Hudson, Sioux Falls, Karen (Marvin) Fiegen, Dell Rapids, Dan Norstrom, Omaha, Tom (Sara) Norstrom, Harrisburg. Grandchildren Jonathon (Krista) Hudson, Wahiawa, HI, Jessica Madison, Sioux Falls, Brian Madison, Sioux Falls, Mallory Norstrom, Harrisburg. Great grandchildren Aubrey Madison, Sioux Falls, Elizabeth and Abigail Hudson, Wahiawa, HI with another on the way in December. Three step grandchildren Melissa Fiegen, Sioux Falls, Paul Fiegen, Sioux Falls, Kari (Josh) Gill, Sioux Falls with one step great grandchild on the way in July. Nieces Kim (Matthew) Stanton-Hartigan, Chicago IL, Jill Stanton, Seattle, WA, Ilene Norstrom, Peoria, AZ, and Debbie Buchanan, Madisonville, KY. Dale also has numerous cousins and friends all of which love, honor and cherish him dearly. His Father, Mother, sister Jeannine Stanton and nephew David Stanton preceded him in death. 

The family is eternally grateful for the loving care and support provided by the many staff members, associates, and volunteers at Morningside Manor and Asera Care Hospice. 

Dale’s funeral service will begin at 1:30 pm Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at the First Congregational Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation will begin at 4:00 pm Monday with the family present from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Heritage Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family wishes for donations to be made in Dale’s Memory to one of these organizations: Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, American Legion Post #15 Honor Guard of Sioux Falls, the U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association. 

FUNERAL SERVICE WAS

Tuesday July 1, 2014, 1:30 - pm at First Congregational Church