James Ralph Norland

James R. Norland, 93, of North Mankato, MN, died peacefully on October 22, 2023 after being surrounded by family for a memorable weekend.

Jim was born in Cylinder, IA in 1930 to Gerda and Herman Norland. Jim reminisced often about his childhood growing up on the farm in Iowa. As one of eight children, he started his education in a one room schoolhouse, later transitioning to Cylinder High School. In high school, Jim was captain of the basketball and baseball teams and was a proud award winning member of 4H. He completed his college education at Augustana and the University of Iowa. Jim entered the military after college where he served in the Army as a tank driver. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he moved to Mankato, MN to join his brother in the real estate and banking business and spent the entirety of his 66 years as a realtor at Midwest Realty working alongside his nephew, Richard and other family members. Jim also went on to develop and manage commercial and residential properties.  For many years, Jim was involved and held leadership positions in the Realtors Association and the American Legion.

It was in Mankato that he met his wife Dorothy whom he was married to for 55 years and together they raised three children, Randy, Sherri, and Kara. Jim loved being a parent and was overjoyed to become a grandparent to Cooper, Cade, Presley, Bella, Sloane, Cole and Reese.  Jim will always be remembered for his caring and grateful spirit, the love for his immediate and extended family, the way that he embraced his Norwegian heritage and his 1930 Ford Model A that he proudly drove for decades in the North Mankato Fun Days Parade. Jim’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Edward, Albert, Gerald, Howard and Charles, and his sisters Luetta and Orlue.  

Jim is survived by his wife Dorothy, his son Randy (Connie), daughters Sherri (Jason) and Kara (Joe), seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Donation to American Legion Charities at mylegion.org would be greatly appreciated.  

Services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 720 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN, 56001 on Saturday, November 4 with visitation beginning at 10:30 am and the funeral service at 11:30 am with military honors and reception following.