Ernest Raymond Norlin

Ernest Raymond "Ray" Norlin, a man of great faith, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at the age of 93. He was the son of Ernest Wilhelm Jonasson Johnson and Augusta Alice Jansson, immigrants from Sweden, born August 13, 1919 in Odebolt, IA. Ray attended country schools and finished 8th grade at Hayes County School in 1932. On August 28, 1929, Ray's mother Alice married Nels J. Norlin after the death of his father, Ernest Johnson on June 19, 1919, two months before Ray was born. Nels adopted Ray and his brother Carl Harry in 1933. On January 7, 1945, his brother Harry fought and died for his country on the island of Luzan, Philippines during WWII. Ray was a strong believer in farm conservation. He was a member of the Isaac Walton League and farmed 200 acres northwest of Alta, IA for 27 years. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alta. As an Elder, Trustee, and member of both the church and parsonage building committee. He was also a long time member of the Lutheran Layman's League, and a director of both the Alta Cooperative Elevator and First Trust and Savings Back of Alta. If anyone knew Ray, you knew his passion for life and with that, his stories. After taking writing classes in Spirit Lake, IA, he used his life experiences to write his autobiography and later, memories from his youth, his tractors, dogs and a fictional story. Ray is survived by his wife, Lora of 65 years, their 3 children, James Norlin of Minot, ND, Candace (Kevin) Merkle of Mahtomedi, MN, and Mary (Douglas) Schuldt of Mankato, MN. He also was very proud of his 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. In Liue of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ The King Lutheran Church in Spencer, or Hospice of Spencer Hospital.

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