Gordon Lyle Norheim, Jr.

Gordon Lyle Norheim Jr. (1952-2024) Gordy passed away peacefully on July 24, at the age of 72. He was able to fill the last months of his life with treasured moments and family. We are so grateful for the happy times we spent with Gordy - a partner, brother, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend - as we embraced life and its gifts. He was born in Minneapolis on June 14, 1952 to Gordon and Betty Jean Norheim; he would be the eldest of three siblings, a brother to JoAnn and John. Gordy attended South High in Minneapolis before joining the United States Army in 1970, where he was based in Germany. After serving, his employment was dedicated to Honeywell as a technician, and Unity Hospital as an oncology nurse. Outside of work, he loved all things nature and made several trips exploring the Boundary Waters by canoe and hiking Glacier National Park with friends from Honeywell. It was while working at Unity Hospital that Gordy met his love, his travel partner, and his life companion, Beth Palkki. Together they adventured throughout their home state of Minnesota, walked the warm beaches of Mexico, and hiked in the quiet trails of the southwest. Gordy especially found peace near the ocean, whether on the islands of the Caribbean, Hawaii, a Mexican beach, or the mainland coast. Listening to the ocean waves, he was able to contemplate its power and vastness. The last decades of Gordy's life were spent dedicated to Beth, making a home together, connecting with each other's families, and collecting the happy, comical, and wild travel experiences that build a beautiful life. Gordy and Beth were blessed with the time to visit loved ones over the weeks before his passing. They recently visited Crookston for grandson Mannix's high school graduation, where they celebrated with son Jesse and Andrea, and his three grandchildren, Zander, Mannix, and Lizzy, lounging on the deck, grilling, and laughing. They were able to gather for his recent birthday with aunt, Laura Lee, sister, JoAnn, and brother, John, where good stories and good food were shared in equal measure. From there Gordy and Beth headed to Vermont where they spent a week with daughter, Lara and Jeremy, grandchildren, Carter and Kim, Nicholas and Victoria, Lukas and Natalie, Theresa and Robbie, Jacquelyn and Chelsea, and Tim, and great-grandchildren Luna, Kylana, Aria, Everly. They were blessed with historical lessons from locals on covered bridges and landmarks, and headed to Acadia National Park in Maine for Carter's wedding. Returning to Coon Rapids, they were able to revel in backyard camping and s'mores, shared with Beth's grandchildren Amory and Maybel, and visited with Beth's daughter Gael and Bob. Beth and Gordy have three other shared grandchildren, Levi, Coy, and Kaleb. Gordy's step-father, Dick, also connected with him often. The opportunity to share in these moments with Gordy is something we will hold dearly and treasure. A service to continue to share our remembrances will be held on Saturday, August 10th, at 11 AM with a visitation from 10-11 at Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel, 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW. Please come prepared to contribute a story or two in the guest book - sentimental, fun, witty, or amusing. Casual dress is requested, jean jackets are encouraged.

Tributes

Gordon Lyle Norheim, Jr.

June 14, 1952 - July 24, 2024

Tributes

Gordon Lyle Norheim, Jr.

June 14, 1952 - July 24, 2024

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