- Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation - https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com -

Norman Ray VanHaaften

Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On November 22, 2016 @ 11:13 am In 2016,Obituaries | 11 Comments

WEB Norman VanHaaften

At the age of 74, Norman Ray Van Haaften passed away peacefully in the presence of his beloved family on November 21, 2016, at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center, Shakopee, MN. He was a resident of the Prior Lake Community, but now resides in the presence of God, Jesus and family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 26 at 12 (noon), with visitation starting at 10:30 am, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 833. South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN. Pastor A. Paul Olson will preside. Memorial are preferred to a cancer organization of your choice in memory of Norm.

Born on July 17, 1942 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Norm was the son of Arie and Grace (Vander Leest) VanHaaften. He was a loving husband to wife Judy for 13 years. Norm’s life was filled with being a father to 6 children and a grandfather to 12 grandchildren. Growing up in a spiritual family, he has always felt close to God, especially over the last years.

Norm loved working with his hands and especially wood working. He enjoyed building furniture, clocks, birdhouses, and other craft items. Norm also loved to travel and visited numerous countries in his life time. Norm was an avid sports fan and especially auto racing, baseball and football. Norm was hard working and made many friends over his lifetime with his outgoing and warm personality. His optimistic message of ‘keep smiling’ will be missed by many.

Left to honor Norm’s life and mourn the death is his wife, Judy; children, Steven (Linda) Van Haaften, Karin (Kevin) Hartigan, Douglas (Amy) Van Haaften, Sandra Kay (Chris) Heasley, Jeffrey (Dawn) Van Haaften, Christopher Van Haaften; stepdaughter, Jodi (Tom) Vallez; 12 loving grandchildren; sister, Marcia (Gary) Wouterse; and many relatives and friends.

Preceded in death and there to welcome Norman home in heaven is his parents and infant brother, Marvin Edward and brother in-law, Myron DeJong.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Van Haaften family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com

Offer Condolence for the family of Norman Ray VanHaaften

Print Obituary & Condolences Print Obituary & Condolences

Condolences for the family of “Norman Ray VanHaaften”

Condolence from Kathy Juster on November 22nd, 2016 3:07 pm

Judy and Family

My heart goes out to you on the loss of Norm. He was such a kind , caring man and dear friend. I have such happy memories of him and our” adventures out on the town”, from the time I had my first “real” job at Gelco, many, many years ago, up until, the Gelco luncheons today. Those happy memories will stay with me for a lifetime. It makes me smile to know that Jim Geiser, Jack Bell and Norm, are all together in the “Gelco Wing” (per Denise Webber) in Heaven. May his love, and your happy memories ease your sadness.

Love, Kathy Juster

Condolence from Kathryn Sterner on November 22nd, 2016 4:45 pm

Family & friends of Norm,
My deepest condolences at the loss of Norm. He was a lifetime friend dating back to the days at Gelco 1981 and onward. I know that he fought a hard battle with strength and humility. May he rest in peace and your memories keep you afloat during your time of sorrow.

Condolence from Richard McFerran on November 22nd, 2016 9:11 pm

Norm was one of the real “good guys” I knew at Gelco,

Condolences to the family.

Condolence from Frank Orbach on November 23rd, 2016 10:44 am

To a very dear Friend and Co Worker.
Norm was one of the most caring people I’ve known. Always thinking about others even when he wasn’t feeling well, Norm was a great friend, co-worker and Buddy. Stay strong Judy Norm is with you.
Keep Smiling Norm
RIP Frank Orbach

Condolence from Michael V Wright on November 23rd, 2016 10:54 am

My heartfelt sympathy to Norms family. I have. Known Norm sin ce 1976. He was my first mentor in the business world and taught me more about accounting than any school could have. Most importantly he was a friend. We shared many good times together and tons of laughs. You fought a hard battle Norm and I am a better person for having known you. RIP

Condolence from Bill and Joan Geyer on November 23rd, 2016 11:42 am

Judy and family

So sorry to hear your news. Norm was such a good neighbor. We always enjoyed stopping to talk a few minutes when we were walking the dog around the block. We will miss him very much.

Condolence from Gary Rockhold on November 23rd, 2016 8:17 pm

Judy & Family

Karen and I are so sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. He has fought a long hard fight, and kept a positive attitude till end. He was a dear friend and I think about him everyday. He is with God now and no more pain.
God Bless you all
Gary & Karen Rockhold

Condolence from Jessica Svoboda Natarajan on November 25th, 2016 6:12 pm

Judy & Family,

I was so sad to hear of Norm’s passing. In addition to being a wonderful, joyful and positive human being, he is important to me, because he was just so good to my parents. He helped my parents navigate through an incredibly difficult period in their business. He not only skillfully managed every cent, but he went beyond that which anyone would expect of an employee – he was more than an employee, he was a trusted friend. We will all miss him. Thinking of you, JSN

Condolence from Frank Orbach on November 25th, 2016 8:38 pm

Norm was one of a kind. Caring for others up until the day he passed. I respected Norm as a co worker friend and gentle man.
Go in peace my Friend.
Keep Smiling

Condolence from David and Ellen McDonald on November 26th, 2016 12:56 am

We are sad to learn of Norm’s passing yet grateful that he no longer has to suffer with the pain and illness. I was a roommate with Norm during the AIB days so only knew him during that period in his life. Norm was always fun to be around, and there never were any dull moments — a great guy at a fun time in our lives. God’s blessing to you and your family Judy.

Condolence from Ruth Bushnell on November 28th, 2016 11:12 pm

Thinking of your family in this time of loss! I babysat Steven Karin and Douglas one summer many years ago!
Ruth (Van Haaften) Bushnell

Article printed from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com

URL to article: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com/norman-ray-vanhaaften/

Copyright © 2015 Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. All rights reserved.