Edith Norlien

Edith Mabel Norlien, 90, of Duluth, died Saturday, January 21, 2017, with family by her side, at Viewcrest Health Center. Edith was born on October 2, 1926 in Minneapolis, MN to Rev. Frank and Pauline (Underwood) Berg. Edith married Fred Norlien on July 17, 1948 in Beloit, WI. They raised four children together and in July, 2015 celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Edith trained as a nurse cadet during World War II and graduated with an RN degree, from St. Mary's School of Nursing in Rochester, MN. After graduating she worked at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, prior to her marriage, then had a variety of positions, including school nursing and several nursing homes, retiring in 1989 from Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital Nursing Home. She also considered being a pastor's wife a career and was a steadfast support to Fred as he served parishes in Pine River and Dalton, MN, Binford, ND, and Scanlon, MN. After retiring, Edith and Fred lived in Silver Bay and spent winters in Phoenix, AZ for 15 years, before moving to Duluth in 2008. Edith was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church. She enjoyed working with church quilting groups, especially at Bethel Lutheran Church in Scanlon. Her hobbies included reading, crocheting, embroidery, and candlemaking. She also enjoyed making big pots of soup to share with family and friends and finding many other ways to show kindness. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile. Edith was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother, Harold; brothers, Frank and George; a sister, Pauline Nystrom; and her husband, Fred in 2016. Edith is survived by her children, Dan (Carmen) Norlien of Duluth; Becky Norlien of Two Harbors; John (Kathy) Norlien of Pine Springs, MN; and Ken (Rosa) Norlien of Scottsdale, AZ; special nephew, Rev. David (Carol) Berg, of Minneapolis, MN; a sister, Ruth (Jim) Hodges; grandchildren, David (Kim), Paul, and their mother, Carol; Matthew, James, and Stephen; Ashley and Aaron; Burt, Cassy (Erin), Daniel, and Tasha; great-grandchildren, Marissa and Jocelyn; many nieces and nephews; and friends, especially Nancy Atzen, Nancy Deaver, Joyce Libra, and recent friends at Viewcrest. The family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers at Viewcrest Health Center and St. Luke's Hospital and Hospice. A gathering of family and friends will be on Friday, February 10, 2017 from 10 until the 11 AM Memorial Service at Concordia Lutheran Church, Duluth. Rev. Karen Linne officiating. Inurnment will be in Solem Cemetery, Kensington, MN, at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Concordia Lutheran Church, 2501 Woodland Avenue, Duluth, MN 55803 or Union Gospel Mission, 219 E. 1st Street, Duluth, MN 55802.