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July 25, 1936-Aug. 3, 2026
Minot
Norlen P. Nelson, 90, of Minot, died Aug. 3, 2026.
He was born July 25, 1936, in Norma, North Dakota, to Otto and Anna Nelson and grew up on a farm northwest of Norma. After graduating from Kenmare High School in 1954, he entered the United States Army in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1961.
Norlen spent most of his working life with the Great Northern and Burlington Northern Railroad, where he dedicated 42 years, one week and two days of service.
On Oct. 26, 1962, he married the love of his life, JoAnne E. Seime, in Minot. Together they built a family that remained the center of Norlen’s life. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Norlen enjoyed fishing, hunting, cribbage, pinochle, and attending sporting events, especially when those activities brought him together with his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, strong work ethic, and the care he showed to family and friends throughout his life.
Norlen is survived by his wife, JoAnne, Minot; daughter, Stacy (Todd), Houston, Texas; son, Shawn (Gwen), Lebanon, Oregon; and five grandchildren, Tevin (Abigail), Tristen (Erika), Tannah (Nick), Brooke (Josh), and Allie (Easton). He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Tara, Trace, Harper, Nolan, and Cooper.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and six brothers.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Kenmare, North Dakota. After the graveside celebration, all are invited to gather afterward at 2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 400 9th St. SW, Minot, North Dakota.
Published by The Minot Daily News, August 31, 2026.