Melvin Norby

Melvin Bennett Norby died peacefully at the Great Falls Clinic Hospital on February 22, 2017.A memorial service will be held at New Hope Lutheran Church, 3125 5th Avenue S, on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Tammy Bull officiating. Mel has been cremated and will be placed in the Hillcrest Mausoleum at a private family service. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Melvin or Mel, as he was known, was born at Alkabo, North Dakota on September 24, 1921. He was one of 14 children born to Peder and Ingeborg Norby. He was baptized and confirmed in what was then known as the Lutheran Free church. Mel enlisted in the Army during World War II in July 1942 and was honorably discharged in September 1945, having served in General Pattons Third Army Headquarters. He worked for the FA Buttrey Company retail store in the general office as first Vice-President for 30 years. He then worked in the office of the Junkermier, Clark, Campanella and Stevens (JCCS) CPA firm for 10 years. He elected to retire in September 1986.He was married to Gudve Goodie Lindseth from Crosby, North Dakota on May 13, 1951. They have three daughters; Gloria (John) McCarvel of Phoenix, AZ, Betty (Ron) Brumwell of Dutton, and June (Bob) Benson of Kalispell.Mel loved singing and for 17 years sang with the Great Falls Swinging Seniors that put on programs for retirement and nursing homes. He also enjoyed playing cards and working crossword puzzles. He and his wife spent the winter months at their condo in Peoria, Arizona for 25 years. Mel was the lone graduating senior in his class. He and his friends held weekly class reunions at the City Bar, and as they aged they celebrated with weekly lunches.He is survived by his wife, Goodie, their three daughters, six grandchildren and five great grandsonshis Fabulous 5. He is also survived by brothers Lloyd Norby of Billings and Palmer Norby of Sidney; and many nieces and nephews.Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Peder and Ingeborg Norby; brothers Julius, Magnus, Burnett Barnie, Trygve, Ralph and Clifford; and sisters Betha Dejardin, Palma Skabo, Irna Andersen, Astrid Schnabel and Florence Ulgenes.In place of flowers, the family requests memorials to New Hope Operational Reserve fund; Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane; or Peace Hospice of Great Falls.