Obituary: Donald Norton

Donald Lee Norton, 76, New Rockford passed away on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 at Elim Care Center, Fargo. Funeral services were held at First Luteran Church in New Rockford on Nov. 30. Burial will be help at a later date at the Prairie Home Cemetery in New Rockford. Rev. Doug Nemitz officiated the service. Special music was provided by Mary Ellen Rue and Wayne Trudeau. Honorary bearers were his grandchildren.

Donald was born on March 4, 1943 at New Rockford to D. Everett and Georgia Belle (Byrum) Norton. In his early years, he went to country school then attended high school in New Rockford. For a few years he did road construction around the area. On Sept. 28, 1963 he married Sharon Jenson and to this marriage came three children. Don worked briefly at a furniture store before he bought some land from his dad and began to farm. After several years of farming they moved into New Rockford where he owned and operated his own shoe shop and also was a crop adjuster for 20 years before he retired.

Donald was an outdoorsman. He loved to camp and fish, especially at Devils Lake where he had a camper for 18 years. He could make or fix just about anything he wanted. Every year he had a nice big garden where he could spend many hours tending to it. His biggest joy though was spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was a member of the New Rockford Eagles Club and First Lutheran Church.

Donald is survived by his wife Sharon, of New Rockford, children: Deana (Rick) Norton Floyd, of Fargo, Shannon (Margo) Norton, of Fargo, and Darcie (Nate) Edwardes, of Farmingdale, NY; six grandchildren: Meghan Lies, Brenden Lies, Lauren Lies, Medora Norton, Lucas Norton and Lila Edwardes. Other survivors include his siblings: Paul (Joeann) Norton, of Granite Falls, Wash., Bob (Alice) Norton, of Carrington, Larry (Barb) Norton, of Edmonds, Wash., Marlene Scott, of Maddock, and Diana (Bill) Ziegler, of New Rockford and a sister-in-law: Pat Norton, of Mundelein, Ill.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents Everett and Georgia, and two brothers Bill and David Norton.

On-line condolences may be sent at http://www.EvansFuneralHomeND.com