Stanley Noren

Stanley Herbert Noren passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on May 13, 2009. Stan was born on June 25th, 1940 to Herbert and Karen (Gustafson) Noren, in St. James, Minnesota. Stan grew up on his family farm by Sveadahl, Minnesota and graduated from St. James High School in 1958. During high school he was proud of being a part of the 1958 state football team. He also began his lifelong career of softball at the age of 14 in Sveadahl. Upon graduating from high school, Stan attended the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus studying agriculture. Stan joined the National Guard in June of 1959. For six years Stan served his beloved country in the 147th Infantry Division, Gunnery Unit, at the rank of Sergeant in St. James, Minnesota. Stan married Dianne Peterson on August 10, 1963. Together they had two daughters, Lisa and Lori, while residing in St. James. Stan worked full time at Scherr-Tumico until 1971. They then moved to Stan's family farm by Sveadahl where Stan enjoyed farming while still working part-time. During his years on the farm from 1971 to 1983 he was a Pioneer Seed Corn dealer, was elected to two consecutive terms as County Commissioner, and was an active member of the East Sveadahl Church. In 1983 they moved back to St. James and he once again worked full time at Scherr-Tumico. After his divorce in 1991 Stan moved and began working at Cybex International in Owatonna, Minnesota. Stan married RuthAnn (Selberg) Jespersen on November 5th, 1994. Stan and Ruth began their marriage living in Wells eventually moving to Albert Lea, MN. Stan continued to work at Cybex until his retirement in 2006. During retirement, he enjoyed his woodworking shop, golfing, yard work, fishing, being an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells, and spending time with his wife. He spent much time attending sporting and musical events of his three older grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time with his younger grandchildren being Papa and teaching Brock about trains. Stan's tremendous talent and effort in softball was rewarded on May 7, 2009, with the official induction into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame. Stan is survived by his wife Ruth, daughters Lisa Noren Shellum and Lori (Chad) Noren Urevig, both of St. James, step-daughters Kristin (Don) Lehne, Mankato, and Susan (Chris) Jensen, Buffalo Center, IA. Grandchildren Mallory, Macey, Mackenzie, Brock, Neely and Thomas. Sisters Diane (Jim) Hage, Sauk Center, Julene Hoffman and special friend Jimmy Anderson, Madelia, Lorna (Ken) Henderson, St. James, Sonja (Dennis) Coleman, St. James, Kaydra (David) Sandbo, Butterfield, and Valerie (Harold) Juhl, Fairmont. He is also survived by special friends Bob and Audrey Swanson, St. James, numerous nieces and nephews along with great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, several aunts, uncles and brother-in-law, Victor Hoffman. Sleep well Stanley, the Great Shepherd has called you home.