Gary P. Norstad

Gary Paul Norstad, age 81 of Cannon Falls and formerly of Dodge Center, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

Gary was born at home in Leon Township, MN, on October 6, 1941, the third of nine children to Orlando and Edna (Paul) Norstad. He grew up in Skunk Hollow and started his strong faith as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wanamingo.

He married Mary Pettis on November 30, 1963 at the Farmington Lutheran Church, where they were members for many years. Gary worked in the glass container industry, starting out in Rosemount, MN. He moved their family to Farmington, and while continuing to work full-time, he started a 40-acre hobby farm on the side, running it until 1985. His career caused the family to move to different states, until retiring. They moved back to Minnesota, to Dodge Center, where he picked up on his farming instincts. He enjoyed his vegetable farm and tractor restoring days. He and Mary moved to Cannon Falls in 2021 and have enjoyed being closer to family.

Gary loved his family and church, and socializing was a big part of his life. His passions were farmers market gardening, restoring Ford tractors, and being an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Mary; his sons, Tim (Pastor Diane) of Turtle Lake, WI and Jim (Michele) of Skaneateles, NY; grandchildren, Alex (Mitch) Lilienthal, Kyle, Luke and Faith Norstad; great-grandchildren, Holden and Lewis Lilienthal; siblings, Jim (Bonnie) of Rushford, Steve (Linda) and Jarle (Debra), all of Cannon Falls, Kristi Fuller of Portland, OR, and Deb (Gregg Ramstrom) of Cannon Falls; sisters-in-law, Kathy Norstad of Waite Park and Martha Norstad of Cannon Falls; brother-in-law, Jake Lindsey of Ocean Shores, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, RoseAnn Lindsey; and brothers, Orlando, Jr. and Bob.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 12 at 2:00 pm, with visitation from 1-2 pm, at St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church, 7459 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Gary’s memory to St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church.