Norman Velander

Norm was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 26, 1937 to parents Nels and Florence Velander. He lived a loving family life along with his two younger sisters, Virginia and Barb. His Faith, family and road trips (fishing) were important to him. He graduated from North High School and attended classes at UNO.

Norm was proud to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. He served in Pearl Harbor and served on a destroyer ship, the USS Jenkins. As a proud Navy veteran, he wore many t-shirts and hats displaying that he was a veteran. He encountered many people with whom he had interesting conversations, all thanking him for his service, some even saluting him.

After serving, Norm returned to Omaha in 1959 and married the love of his life, Valerie. They raised three boys, Tom, Dave and Don. Norm and Val celebrated over 60 years together. Norm provided for his family by working as a milkman, a mechanic owning his own service station, and eventually as a civil servant for the US postal service for 40 years.

Upon retiring, Norm and Val moved to Nevis, Minnesota in 1999. They had visited this area since the 1970s. They loved living on the lake at Owls Nest, surrounded by God’s beauty and enjoyed fishing every chance they could. They eventually moved to Park Rapids, Minnesota and purchased a home there.

While living in Park Rapids, the adventures continued. They loved traveling with Ken and Virginia in a travel trailer to numerous locations that included National Parks and trips back to Omaha that brought the entire family together. After Val passed away, Norm continued on those adventures until eventually he moved back to Omaha to reside with his son, Don, who was his loving caregiver until the end of his life and who made sure he passed with the dignity and respect every man deserves.

Norm was preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Florence Velander; and his wife, Valerie.

He is survived by his sons, Tom (Ginger), Dave (Shelly), and Don (Mike); siblings, Virginia (Ken) Saunders and Barb Bykowski; grandchildren, Nick Velander, Eric Velander (Natalie), Emilee Velander (Eric), Chayla Velander, and Anna Velander; great-grandchild, Knox Kirsch-Velander; and nieces and nephews, Jeff Saunders, Jacob, Anela, Carson, Kris Saunders, Mark Shevchenko, Kyle (Cynthia) Celeste, Tyler, and Lori Strandberg (Brad) Max.

No services scheduled. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at westlawnhillcrest.com for the Velander family.