Roger A. Norland

The family of Roger A. Norland sadly announces his passing on 10-15-2023. He left this earth peacefully surrounded by his wife Gail, daughter Rachael, son Robert and Grandson Elijah. Roger was 73 years old.

Roger was born in Mankato, Minnesota on October, 19 1949 to Albert C. and Lyllah Mae (Hanson) Norland.  He grew up in West Mankato, graduating from Mankato High in 1967.  Roger had great memories growing up there participating in Cub Scouts, church activities and generally roaming the neighborhood with his friends.  He went on to study History at Mankato State College graduating in 1971. While in college, Roger worked at Hilltop Hardware and spoke many times of enjoying his part time job there. He went on to work at Midwest Realty, Security State Bank and Wells Fargo bank.  He held many positions from Realtor to Loan Underwriter until his retirement in 2015.

Roger met the love of his life, Gail Stjernstrom while they were in high school and were married on September 14, 1968, celebrating 55 years of marriage this fall. Roger and Gail soon built a family of their own and their children, Rachael and Robert meant the world to them. Family vacations were important to Roger and he cherished the times he spent on the many road trips taken out East to visit Civil War battlefields showing his family important events in history.

One of Roger’s favorite roles was that of a grandparent.  He treasured his time with Erick 25, Sam 19, Timothy 15 and Elijah 5. Erick and Sam have fond memories of going “trainspotting” in the Mankato area with their grandpa. He also encouraged each to collect something and fostered a love of antiquing in his children and grandchildren. Tim and Elijah enjoyed visits to Minnesota, going to local parks and museums.  Going for ice cream at the DQ was a treat.  Roger’s favorite was a Butterscotch Dilly Bar.

Roger had many hobbies over the years:  restoring old chevy cars, collecting the parts and literature, painting military miniatures, collecting old toys, war memorabilia, and historical research.  His passion was researching Civil War veterans from the area authoring articles based on the research.  The historical societies of Minnesota, Nicollet and Blue Earth County knew him well.

Roger was preceded in death by parents Albert C. and Lyllah Mae Norland, parents- in-law Richard and Lillian Stjernstrom, brother Robert, brothers-in law Gary Hugeback and Tom Browne and his buddy John “Schnabbie” Schnabel.

Roger is survived by his wife, Gail Stjernstrom Norland; daughter, Rachael (Kurt) Flaten; son, Robert (Katherine) Norland; brother, Richard (Kris) Norland; sisters, Bonnie Hugeback and Rita Browne; sister-in-law, Jean Stjernstrom (Tom Moriarty); and brother-in-law, Bruce (Kathy) Stjernstrom; grandsons, Erick and Sam Flaten and Timothy and Elijah Norland.

Memorial Service for Roger will be held on November 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Northview North Mankato Mortuary, Commerce Drive. Visitation from 12:00 to 1:00 pm prior to the service. There will be a social hour to follow.

Donations to Nicollet or Blue Earth Historical Societies would be greatly appreciated.