Arlene M. Norby, 89, died Saturday, March 31, 2018, at Swift County Benson Health Services in Benson, Minn. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Friday, April 6, 2018, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson. Visitation will continue from 10-11 a.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the Swenoda Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home.
Arlene Mae Norby was born September 24, 1928, in Swift County, Minnesota, the daughter of Louis C. and Florence Mildred (Gleason) Tatge. She was baptized and confirmed in June of 1946 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church by Rev. Harold Nasheim. She grew up in the Benson area and graduated from Benson High School, Class of 1946.
On September 4, 1948, Arlene was united in marriage to LuVerne Herbert Norby at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church by Rev. Harold Nasheim. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage with celebrations for their 25th, 50th, 65th as well as a rib-eye steak on most every anniversary day each year in between. They lived on the farm in Swenoda Township for 50 years.
Arlene worked at the Swift County Hospital as a receptionist and bookkeeper until becoming a stay at home mom. She co-owned the Benson Livestock Exchange and was the Office Manager there for 10 years. After the sale of their business, she returned to out of home employment at the Harley Clinic in Benson for 3 years and then returned to work at the Swift County Benson Hospital until her retirement in August of 2008.
She was a member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, a Sunday school teacher, belonged to prayer group, and served in various offices and committees. Arlene was a 4H leader, and served on the Hospital Auxiliary and the Gideon Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Writing Club, 16th Street Birthday Club, Coterie Study Club and was a Restorative Justice Volunteer. Among the many things Arlene enjoyed were gardening, sewing, playing piano, writing, going to concerts, traveling, Grand Parenting, and making holidays and birthdays special.
Arlene passed away Saturday, March 31, 2018, at Swift County Benson Health Services. She attained the age of 89 years, 6 months, and 7 days.
She is survived by her children: Julie Sponsler of River Falls WI; Glen (Shauna) Norby of Chehalis WA; Eldon (Heather) Norby of Kerkhoven; Dean (Elizabeth) Norby of Edinburgh Scotland; Lynnette Tessem of Benson; John Norby of Benson; Steven (Jodi) Norby of Zimmerman MN; and Nathan (Nicole) Norby of Benson; seventeen grandchildren: Reed (Becca) Sponsler, Holly (Derick) Martin of Louisiana, and Luke Sponsler of River Falls; Brianna, Ethan, and Dylan Norby of Willmar and Kerkhoven; Ben, Miriam, and Andrew Norby of Edinburgh; Sara Tessem and Leah Tessem of the Twin Cities; Wyatt Norby of Zimmerman; Kayla (Jeremiah) Williams, Austin, Beau, Brooke and Joshua Norby of Fargo and Benson; and three great-grandchildren: Damian Sponsler and Weston and Sadie Sponsler of River Falls; sister-in-law Mary Tatge; and many nieces and nephews.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband LuVerne on February 11, 2017; and their daughter Mary Kay Normann in 1986; 6 brothers: John, Kenneth, Clifford, Orville, and two in infancy; and a sister Phyllis Jebe.
Please sign the guest book at www.zniewskifuneralhome.com .