Norris Erdal

Norris Isaacson Erdal, age 92 of Mahtomedi, MN, died peacefully on November 8, 2017. Born and raised in Rake, IA to Martin J. and Amelia Erdal, Norris lived a life full of devotion to God and his family. He was baptized, confirmed and ordained at Zion Lutheran Church, Rake, IA. Norris served in the Army Air Corps as aviator Cadet. In 1948 graduated from St. Olaf College and furthered his studies attending Luther Northwestern Seminary, St. Paul, MN. Norris accepted his first pastoral call to Trinity Lutheran in Moorhead, MN. He then served as Assistant to the Bishop of ALC Southwest MN 1965-1973. In 1970 Norris married Alyce Claire Wellberg; In 1973 they moved to Wausau, WI and in the summer of the same year adopted 2 children from Korea, Paul and Kristi. Norris accepted the position of Assistant to the Bishop of the ALC of the NW Wisconsin district and served two terms until the family moved to Round Rock, TX in 1984. Norris continued his work in the ministry as chaplain in Round Rock, TX and Glenwood, MN. He also served on staff at Trinity Lutheran in Stillwater, MN and Baldwin, WI. Norris was preceded in death by parents, Martin & Amelia; wife, Alyce; sisters, Maglene Brunsvold, Eunice Strand, Ardys Rye; nephew, Ralph Rye. He is survived by son, Rev. Paul (Stacy) Erdal of Brainerd, MN; daughter, Kristi (John Close) Erdal of St. Paul; grandchildren, Lily and Claire; nieces and nephews, Ove Kenneth (Laurie) Strand, Rev. John (Angie) Strand, Ann (Robert) Glenn, Edward (Margaret) Brunsvold, Ellen (Rafael) Echenique, Rachel (Jason) Dahl, Amelia (Knut) Nussum, Marty (Katherine) Rye; many great-nieces and great-nephews; Long Nguyen and family; long time best friend, Richard Shager. Norris lived as a humble servant of God and always encouraged thought provoking conversation. He had a deep compassion for life and the well being of others. His tender loving soul will be greatly missed. Service will be 11AM Tuesday at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, with visitation 5-7 Monday and one hour prior to service.