Norman Albertson

Norman Albertson, age 98, of Twin Valley, MN, died Sunday, June 16, 2013, at the Twin Valley Living Center. Norman Albertson was born August 1, 1914, at Syre, MN, to Clarence and Hannah (Dullum) Albertson. As a young boy, he grew up in Flom, MN, where he attended a one room school house until age 10. His father, Clarence, took a job as a P.V. Elevator grain buyer in Syre and Norman continued his schooling near Syre, through the 8th grade. School bus transportation was not available to attend the high school in Twin Valley so that ended his formal education. Following his schooling, Norman worked labor jobs on various local farms. On September 5, 1938, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Opsahl. Norman worked at a local gas station for a few years before he began to serve as an operator of the Hieberg Electric Plant near Twin Valley in 1939. Otter Tail Power bought out the Hieberg Plant and Norman worked with Otter Tail Power for the next 38 years. He worked one year in Page, ND, and the last 28 years in Mahnomen, MN, as a diesel operator and service representative. Norman served as a member of the Mahnomen Fire Department for 28 years and was a school board member for 12 years, 4 years as chairman. Norman also served in many leadership capacities at the First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. His wife, Evelyn, died in 1992. Norman married Myrtle Sorkness on August 1, 1998, and they moved from Myrtles' farm to the Normandy Apartments in Twin Valley until he was recently admitted to the nursing home on May 15, 2013. Some of Norman's best days were spent playing with and enjoying his grandchildren. He spent many hours teaching them how to fish and his 2 1/2 horse power Johnson motor was often in danger of being swamped when heading into shore. Norman and Evelyn placed a high value on education and they found a way to make sure their four children graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. All of their grandchildren also graduated from college. Norman is survived by his wife, Myrtle of Twin Valley; three sons: Dennis (CJ) Albertson of Long Grove, IA, Dr. Dean (Sherry) Albertson of Rochester, MN, Dr. Rev. Myron Albertson of Albuquerque, NM; one daughter, Myrna (Rev. Michael) Baucom of Green Bay, WI, and step-daughter, Carolyn (Will) Steffens of Fergus Falls, MN; 10 grandchildren: John Albertson, Dean Albertson II, Heather Klees, Luke Albertson, Sarah Albertson Corkery, Stephanie Albertson Pershing, Chelsea Baucom-Young, Brett Baucom, Anne Hruby, and Jason Steffen; 15 great-grandchildren; one brother, Vernon (Bernice) Albertson of Roseville, MN; one sister, Clarice Hovde of Twin Valley. Norman was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Evelyn; daughter-in-law, Dorothy; three brothers: Gordon, Lester, and Loyal; and one sister, Hazel. Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley with visitation one hour before the funeral on Thursday. Officiating was Pastor David Astrup. Danette Gwin was the organist with vocal accompaniment by CJ Albertson. A eulogy was given by Dr. Vernon Albertson. Serving as pallbearers were John Albertson, Dean Albertson II, Heather Klees, Luke Albertson, Sarah Albertson Corkery, Stephanie Albertson Pershing, Chelsea Baucom-Young, Brett Baucom, Anne Hruby, and Jason Steffen. Burial took place at First Lutheran Cemetery in Mahnomen, MN.

Norman Albertson

August 1, 1914 - June 16, 2013