Edwin E. Norton, 79, longtime resident of Ash Lake, passed away Sunday, April 8, 2012, at St. Michael’s Health Care Center, Virginia, Minn.
He was born to Josephine and Elmer E. Norton on June 6, 1932, in Roosevelt, Minn.
Edwin honorably served in the Navy from 1950 to 1954 and married Catherine Corrigan Clay in New Hampshire on Aug. 22, 1952. They lived in Pensacola, Fla., during his service to our country.
They then moved to Roosevelt until 1956, when they moved to Arbutus, Minn., when he received his job on the DWP Railroad. They moved to Ash Lake, Minn., in 1963, where they made their home for the next 43 years.
Ed was a dedicated worker for the railroad for 42 years and was assistant roadmaster the past eight years of his employment.
Edwin was an avid fisherman, trapper and blueberry picker.
He enjoyed his time out in nature.
He loved to be the barbecue chef at the family gatherings and liked visiting with family.
Ed was a lifetime member of the Orr American Legion Post 480 and helped with many projects to help the new legion hall to become a reality.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Josephine and Elmer; his step father, Andrew Barstow; one daughter, Diane R. Wardas; and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Alvina (John) McKinnon and Mae Estella (Hilder) Weston.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Catherine; two sons, Edwin “Eddie” (Kay Shannon) Norton Jr. of Brooklyn Park, Minn., and William “Bill” (Char) Norton of International Falls, Minn.; one daughter, Paulette (Lloyd) Scott of Orr, Minn.; three brothers, Joseph Norton of Albertville, Minn., LaVerne Norton of Minneapolis, Minn., and Richard (CeCe) Norton of International Falls; one sister, Mary Ruth (Louie) Norquist of Albertville, Minn.; special family member, Terry Dow of Ash Lake; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
At Edwin’s request, no formal funeral services will be held.
Family graveside services will take place at a later date at Silent City Cemetery, Roosevelt.
Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook (218-666-5298).
