Reuben O. Norine

Reuben O. Norine, age 90, of Litchfield, MN, died on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the Ecumen Emmanuel Home in Litchfield, MN. Visitation will be at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield on Friday, February 14th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. A celebration his life will be held at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield on Saturday, February 15th at 11:00 AM with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Lake Ripley Cemetery immediately following the service. Military Honors will be provided by the Litchfield Military Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred. Reuben Odell Norine was born west of Litchfield on September 14, 1923 to Alfred Norine and Olga Fordahl Norine. As an infant, he moved with his family to a farm on Collinwood Lake near Dassel where he spent his childhood. He attended Collinwood School and was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church (now Gethsemane Lutheran Church) in Dassel. In 1938, he moved to and ran a 160-acre farm near Darwin. On March 11, 1945, he married Harriet Carlson in Litchfield. Reuben served his country with the Fifth Army Air Corps including time in the occupation forces on Hokkaido Island in Japan. Following his discharge in 1946, he returned to Litchfield where he worked for First District Association until his retirement in February 1986. In addition to his work at First District, he was very creative and the master of many trades including stainless steel welding, pipe fitting, and nearly any challenge that was presented to him. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Litchfield for 69 years, including serving on the Church Council. He was also a member of the Meeker County Last Man's Club, and a life member of both the American Legion (where he served as Commander), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also active in the honor/color guard at many parades, funerals, and other events. Reuben enjoyed walking (particularly around Lake Ripley), hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, cabinetmaking, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and caring for his grand-dog, Sophie. He was increasingly affected by dementia over the past several years. As his health deteriorated, he moved from his home to Lincoln Apartments, Lakeview Ranch, Cedar Crest of Cosmos, and finally to Emmanuel Home. Reuben was preceded in death by his wife Harriet in 1986; parents Alfred and Olga; brothers Melvin and Chester; and sisters Alice and Mavis. He is survived by his son David (and Vera) Norine of Edina, daughter Wendy Norine of Litchfield, grandsons Ryan Norine of New York, NY, Andrew (Beth) Norine of Minneapolis, great-granddaughter Parker Norine of Minneapolis, his sister Bernice Wanderscheid of Klamath Falls, Oregon, as well as numerous other relatives and friends.Previous Events Visitation Friday, February 14, 2014 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Saturday, February 15, 2014 11:00 AM First Lutheran Church 703 South Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355