Jonathan H. Norbo

Longtime valley resident, Jonathan H. Norbo, passed away April 17, 2018 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska. He was born in Culdesac, Idaho on March 16, 1925 to Hugh and Louise Norbo. He loved the Lord from an early age and liked to say that his birthday matched his favorite Bible verse, John 3:16. He went to school and helped out in his father's grocery store until he decided to join his older brother, Wes; who was already in Alaska working for Evan Jones Coal Company. At seventeen, he boarded the S.S. Yukon and made his way north. He was subsequently drafted into the Army and was sent to Fort Richardson and then to Shemya, Alaska; where he completed his military commitment. He continued his coal mining career until the mine closed down, then worked at the docks in Anchorage for Standard Oil, and finally, retiring from the Mat-Su Borough School District. He met and married Violet Werner in 1957 and they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. She preceded him just six weeks ago. Jonathan, the quintessential gentleman, was known to offer aid and kindness to any and all. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will forever cherish his wonderful memory. He is survived by his children, Daniel Norbo and Vivian (Andy) Smith, granddaughters, Rachel (Justyn) Smith of Peoria, IL, Sarah (David) Edgerton of Palmer, and great-grandchildren Lyla, Lane, and Landon Edgerton, and Lydia Smith; siblings, Pauline Boytim, Eunice Ellis, Lois McMahon, Samuel Norbo, Philip Norbo, Rachel Joecks, and Stephen Norbo. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Wes Norbo, Elizabeth Grasser, Janet Oliva, and Norline Rendall. Funeral services will be held 11:00am Friday, April 27, 2018 at Immanuel Baptist Church – 7540 E Cottrell-Campus Drive in Palmer, Alaska. He will be buried following the service next to his late wife at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery. Arrangements cared for by Janssen’s Mat-Su Funeral Home.