Palmer resident Norman Francis Kroening, 74, passed away peacefully Jan. 31 with his loving, devoted wife and companion, Merlaine at his side.

Norm was born to Philip and Birdie Kroening on May 3, 1935 in Green Bay, Wis. As a young boy, he loved to hunt, fish and had played on championship basketball teams, both in school and at the local YMCA. He graduated from Green Bay West High School and then went on to graduate from UW–Stevens Point, obtaining a degree in biology. He served in the Army during the Korean War.

Norm had several careers during his lifetime including mortgage banking and most recently was instrumental in implementing a digestive technology program involving anaerobic bacteria in order to help with waste material in the remote villages of Alaska. Norm was a lover of animals, especially his dogs. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a kind and generous man. He was a staunch conservative and loved lively political discussions.  

Norm had an unparalleled love for life, new experiences, John Wayne and war movies, and the state of Alaska, his home for the last 16 years. While living in Alaska, he came to know a sense of freedom and greatly admired its unsurpassed beauty. He also loved being out on the water in a boat or just being near it, watching the waves break upon the shore. He loved to cook for his family and friends and enjoyed their fellowship.

Norm is survived by his cherished wife and companion, Merlaine, and his three children and their spouses, Lisa and Larry, Eileen and Allan, and David and Christine. Also eight grandchildren, one granddaughter-in-law, several nieces and his beloved Australian cattle dogs, Lucy and Barney.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Birdie Kroening, his brothers, John and Philip “Biz” Kroening and his treasured sister, Kathryn “Kay” Dahl.

Norm will be deeply missed by his family and friends. 

A celebration of Norm’s Life will be held at a later date.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the ASPCA, 549 West International Airport Road B2, Anchorage, Alaska 99518 or to The ALS Association, Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA, 91301.

“We give back to You O God, those whom You gave to us. You did not lose them when You gave them to us, and we do not lose them by their return to You. Your dear Son has taught us that life is eternal and love cannot die. So death is only a horizon, and a horizon is only the limit of our sight.” — William Penn

Arrangements by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory, Wasilla.