Robert Norlander 10/29/2023

Robert Michael Norlander, 86, of Star Prairie, Wisconsin, died of multiple myeloma on October 29, 2023, in New Richmond, Wisconsin. He was known as a friendly conversationalist who could get along with anyone, and he will be greatly missed.

He was born in Alden, Wisconsin, on April 20, 1937, to Morris and Leona Norlander, the sixth of their seven children. After high school, he worked briefly before joining the U.S. Army. He served for two years as a medic and MP, mostly in Germany. When he left the service, he returned to Wisconsin, but he soon decided to go back to school and enrolled in Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut, California) to pursue aeronautical engineering. While in college he met Faye Prewett, who he married on March 27, 1961.

After graduating in 1963, Bob moved back to Wisconsin and began working as an aircraft mechanic in Minneapolis for Western Airlines, which was later purchased by Delta Airlines. He bought his father’s farm in 1977 and grew crops while continuing to work as an aircraft mechanic until his retirement from Delta in 1992. He continued farming for the remainder of his life.

Bob had a great love of flying. He built his own RV-6 and enjoyed flying both that and his favorite plane, a Piper Cub. He also enjoyed playing cards, joining friends for games five days a week in his later years. He was a lifelong member of West Immanuel Lutheran Church, retaining his membership even when he lived elsewhere.

Bob was preceded in death by his siblings Lowell Norlander, Mae Jensen, George Norlander, Marie Zeller, and Grace Densmore; his wife, Faye Norlander; and his son Mark Norlander. He is survived by his brother John Norlander; his son Michael Norlander; his grandchild, Juniper Norlander; his partner, Cathy Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 17, at West Immanuel Lutheran Church, 447 180th St., Osceola, Wisconsin. The visitation was at 10 a.m. The service was followed by lunch. Memorials may be made to West Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Cremation services provided by Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.