Norvin J. Elbert

Norvin J. Elbert

Norvin J. "Norv" Elbert, age 94 of Grafton, ND passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Valley Eldercare of Grand Forks, ND.

Norvin J. Elbert was born March 22, 1922 at Whittemore, IA the son of Andrew Simon and Christina (Kohlasch) Elbert. He attended school in Whittemore and graduated from the Presentation Academy in 1939. He attended Emmetsburg, IA Junior College for two years. He worked part-time for the J.C. Penney store while in college and became a full time associate in 1941. In December of 1942 he entered into military service in the U.S. Army at Camp Dodge, IA. He took his basic training at Camp McCain in Mississippi. In June of 1943 he was sent overseas to North Africa with the 45th Division. He participated in the invasion of Sicily on July 10, 1943. He then served in Italy with the Quartermaster Corp until the war ended in Europe. He returned home in 1945 and took up retailing with the J.C. Penney Co. in the position he left at the beginning of his military service.

Norvin married Josephine Catherine Wollner in Emmettsburg, IA on January 3, 1946. They became the parents of three sons: Dennis J. (Dora) Elbert, Grand Forks, ND; David A. (Rebecca) Elbert, Fargo, ND; Dale N. (Amy Jolene) Elbert, Grand Forks, ND. Ten grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren also survive.

Norv was an associate of the Penney Co. for 41 years starting his career in Emmetsburg, IA. He spent four years as an Assistant Manager in the New Ulm, MN store and four years as an Assistant Manager in the Willmar, MN store. In 1957 Norv became the manager of the store in Ada, MN and in 1960 the manager of the Grafton store, where he served until retiring in 1982.

Active in community affairs and in church, Norv was a lay reader at St. John's as well as serving on the building committee when the new church was built in the early 60's. He was Past President of the Chamber of Commerce. He received the Boss of the Year Award and Outstanding Citizen Award. He served on the board at Unity Hospital for seven years with one term as president. He was a long time scout leader and received the Silver Beaver Award for service to Boyhood in 1967. He was a Life Member of the V.F.W. plus a 44 year member of the American Legion Post #41where he served as Commander. He was also a member of the Firing Squad Honor Guard. He was a 47 year member of the Grafton Kiwanis Club where he served as president. He also served as Lt. Governor of District 10 Minnesota and Dakotas. Upon his retirement he served as the city Santa Claus each holiday season for over 30 years.

Norv was preceded in death by his parents, wife Josephine on July 22, 2008 and his five brothers: Melvin, Ken, Charles, Dean and Msgr. Armand.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, September 23, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Friday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Military Rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.

An online guest book is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com

The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.