Norman’s Obituary
It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of their loving Father, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa, Norman Henry Adolphson of Valleyview, Alberta. He passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, April 6, 2020 at the South Valley Residence with family at his side. Norman was predeceased by his wife Yutta; his parents Ellen and Oscar Adolphson; his sister Alice Hennig; his parents-in-law Madeline and Wilhelm Klumbies; and his nephew Blaine Hennig. Left to cherish his memory is his brother Arthur Adolphson, his sister Janet Macinnes, his daughters Rhonda and Stan Reimer, Lorraine Clair and Martin Desaulniers, and Sonia and Richard Ens; his grandchildren Angela and Jonathan Klassen, Amanda Reimer and Gavin Barkman, Stefanie and Dawn Allen, Joshua Ens, Damon and Amberlyn Ens, and Carissa Ens; and great grandchildren Sophia, David, and Anna Klassen, MacKenzie Barkman, Tanner Shaver and Oakley Ens; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law May Joy Adolphson. Ken Hennig, Angus Macinnes, Kurt and Helma Klumbies; plus 11 nieces and nephews. Dad was born on July 1, 1935 in High Prairie, Alberta. He lived his entire childhood in the Valleyview area. On October 25, 1958 he married Yutta Klumbies. That year he took over his father’s John Deere dealership in Valleyview. Children soon followed – Rhonda in 1959, Lorraine in 1961, and Sonia in 1966. In 1961 the dealership was sold and Mom and Dad began farming by the Little Smoky River. They continued farming until 1994. Dad was very active in community life. His gift was the ability to see a need and find a way to solve it. This led him to work with many organizations. He was especially proud of his 16 years working with the East Smoky School Division and his 12 years serving as mayor of Valleyview. The community he loved serving the most was the Emmanuel Baptist Church. He was baptized and joined the church in August of 1958. He served the church faithfully for many of those years. Special memories include serving as moderator, trustee and building board chair. Dad was so proud of the new building, and often pointed out the cross which stood so tall – watching over the community he loved. In their later years Mom and Dad went on many trips: cruises, Europe, Australia and more. He was very interested in family history and especially enjoyed exploring his family roots in Norway and Denmark. They also travelled to Germany to visit Mom’s family. He spoke very fondly of those trips and wrote about that history in his book “From Both Sides of the Atlantic.” In July 2019 Dad lost his life partner of over 60 years. Mom’s death was devastating for our family. But through it all, Dad’s faith in a God that would never leave or forsake him stood firm. Dad’s entire life was spent in Valleyview. And Valleyview has been very good to him. We want to acknowledge all the love and care he’s received. To staff and residents at Red Willow Lodge, thank you for welcoming Mom and Dad so warmly. They loved living there. To the community at Emmanuel Baptist Church, your faithful visits meant so much – especially after Mom’s passing. A special thank you to Pastor Sheldon whose spiritual care was so encouraging. Thank you also to the Valleyview Health Centre staff who provided professional and compassionate care to Dad during his hospital stays. And finally, thank you to the South Valley Residence. When Dad’s health became a concern in Fall 2019, he became a resident here. It did not take long to realize that Dad was in the hands of very caring and compassionate staff. They became like family to him and his far away daughters. And now it’s over. The gentle giant has left this earth. This has left us parentless and uncertain of what that means. But one thing we promise is that we will strive to reflect the values you modeled. Thank you for not being a helicopter parent and allowing us to learn from our own mistakes. Thank you for sending us into the world with faith in ourselves and without fear of others. Thank you for teaching us to navigate the world with integrity and to look for the best in everybody. Lastly, thank you for bringing us up in a community of faith, where we were taught that God is always with us. We will miss you. Say hi to Mom for us. A private burial was held on April 8, 2020. A Memorial service will be held at a later date.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Norman Adolphson July 01 1935 April 06 2020..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Valleyview, Province: Alberta