Donald Norr

Donald Clarence Norr, age 89, of Brainerd, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021. Donald was born on a dairy farm near Freedhem, Minnesota, on November 17, 1931, the tenth child of Robert & Florence (Erickson) Norr. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as a military policeman in Japan following the Korean War. Donald married Janet Marie Bisson on June 8, 1957. He worked for Standard Lumber In Pequot Lakes, Benson, and Bemidji before he and Janet settled in Proctor, Minnesota, in 1969. There, Donald was general manager for ASDCO Inc., a building supplies wholesaler, for 20 years. Donald found his true calling when, after leaving ASDCO, he began his Christian ministry, finally serving as pastor at Good Shepherd Fee Lutheran Church in Virginia, Minnesota, for 20 years. He also was past president of the Minnesota chapter of The Gideons International, as well as ministering in hospitals, nursing homes, and serving as a Fifth Step Guide for Alcoholics Anonymous. Donald was a craftsman, carpenter, avid sportsman, and a diehard Twins and Vikings fan. He was known for his compassion, and never turned down an opportunity to help his fellow human beings, no matter their beliefs or life situation. Donald had a wonderful corny sense of humor, telling “dad jokes” before that phrase even existed. Left to cherish his memory are his sons: Bradley Donald (Therese Privette) Norr, Scott Robert (Lisa Yetzer) Norr, Thomas Martin (Viry) Norr and Mathew Leo Norr; 11 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild. Donald is preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Janet; siblings: Dorothy (Harry) Larson, Harriet Norr, Margaret (Thure) Larson, Agnes (Leo) Schroeder, Theodore (Kay) Norr, Harvey (June and Jo) Norr, Richard (Kathy) Norr, George (Harriet) Norr, and Alvie (Lois) Norr. Services for Donald will be private.