Jerald Norby, 67, died on Friday, January 1, 2010 at the VA Hospital in Fargo, ND surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Ale Tulu officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post 117 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793 of Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

Jerald Dennis Norby Sr. was born on October 14, 1942 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Herman and Sophie (Malvick) Norby. He was raised in Thief River Falls, baptized in the Lutheran faith at Zion Lutheran Church and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church. He attended school in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961. Following high school he worked various jobs in Thief River Falls and then moved to Minneapolis where he worked for 3M.

Jerald proudly served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged.

On June 5, 1971 Jerald was united in marriage to Debra (Underdahl) Norby at Westaker Church in Newfolden, MN and to this union they were blessed four children, Angela, Jerald Jr., Jennifer and James. Together they made their home in Thief River Falls, Breckenridge, MN and Beloit, WI. In 1976 they came back to Thief River Falls where Jerald worked for the Soo Line Railroad.

Jerald loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Together they would go fishing, camping, play cards and dice, and listen to Jerald sing. He was a regular patron of Dees Kitchen where he enjoyed breakfast and visiting. Jerald was an avid Prowlers, Minnesota Gophers, Twins and Gophers fan.

Jerald was the Commander of the VFW in Thief River Falls from 2006 " 2007. He also held many other positions there. Together, Jerald and Debra would travel to VFW conventions throughout Minnesota where he would meet and befriend several people. He was also a proud member of the American Legion Club in Thief River Falls.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debra; children, Angela Norby and fianc Travis Forsberg; Jerald Jr. and Jennifer; grandchildren, Alexandra Norby and Anderson Forsberg; mother-in-law, Muriel Underdahl; sister Dorothy Haugen; brother, Mendley (Lucy) Norby and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Jerald was preceded in death by his son, James; parents, Herman and Sophie; sisters, Gladys Buranen and Sally Norby; brothers, Hermie, Clarence and Edwin; father-in-law Harvey Underdahl.