Clarence Nordang

Clarence Nordang was born April 12, 1919 to Peter and Inger (Ostenson) Nordang in Sioux Agency Township, Echo, Minnesota. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith at Rock Valle Lutheran Church of rural Echo, Minnesota and confirmed at United Lutheran Church in Granite Falls. He attended country school, earned his GED and attended bricklayer's school to become a mason. Clarence worked most of his life in building construction and later worked 11 years for the Yellow Medicine Highway Department. As a teen, Clarence joined the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). In March 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy and received an honorable discharge on November 30, 1945. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre on the U.S.S. Fayette taking part in many operations, including Iwo Jima. On September 10, 1943, he was united in marriage to Orpha Ann Hogsven in Granite Falls where they made their home. To this union, three children were born. Clarence was an active member of Granite Falls Lutheran Church, assisting in the making of wooden baptismal chests and volunteering in other church duties. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars and for many years a member of the BAC Bricklayers Union. Clarence spent his retirement years tending his vegetable and flower gardens, and refinishing furniture. He loved his family and was very proud of all of them. On Friday evening, February 22nd, Clarence passed away at the Granite Falls Hospital. He was 88. He is survived by his loving wife Orpha, children Doug (Linda) Nordang, Karen (Michael) Metcalf, Donna Nordang and family friend Joan Pilot. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Peter Nordang, Marit Nordang, Emily (Erik Moore) Metcalf, Katy Metcalf (Paul Maslanka); Tamara (Charlie) Hobbs, Mary (Joe) Kondrak; and two great-grandchildren: Adrian Hobbs and Sadie Moore; sister May (George) Barber, brother Marvin (Beverly) Nordang; sisters-in-law: Helen Nordang and Joyce Nordang; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Albert, Carl and Ole; five sisters: Martha, Alma, Odella and two infant sisters.