Obituary of Norbert J. Sloan

Retired USAF Master Sergeant Norbert "Norie" Joy Sloan, 84, of Duluth, MN received his final assignment on June 17th, 2018 and passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at St. Luke’s Hospital. Norbert was born March 10, 1934 to George and Geneva Sloan in Detroit Lakes, MN. He graduated from the Detroit Lakes High School GED program in 1953 and later from the Mythical Aerial Bridge High School in Duluth, MN. He also attended UMD in his later years. Norbert enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 at the age of 17. After enlisting, he was stationed in Korea and Japan from 1952 to 1955 and returned to the Duluth Air Force Base in the parachute shop and during this time he was Scout Master of Troop 101 for 8 years. While in Duluth he met and married Frances Gagne on March 30, 1957 and had two children, Marty and Tracy. Norbert and family were stationed in France and then Germany before he was sent to the DaNang Air Force Base in Vietnam in 1968. Norbert finished out his service at the K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan where he worked as a Fabrication Branch Chief before retiring after 22 years. After retiring from the Air Force, Norbert and family moved to Hermantown where he was Superintendent of Bethany Cemetery for 19 years and a school bus driver for Hermantown schools for 10 years. He also owned and operated Sloan Memorials with Marty. Norbert spent much time volunteering with various organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Special Olympics, and the United Way of Greater Duluth. He was a member of the Disabled Veterans Association, the American Legion Post 71, and the Spirit Valley Kiwanis where he served as President for 5 years. In 2013, he went to Washington, D.C. as part of the Honor Flights Network. He loved being outdoors camping, swimming, and fishing at the cabins with his family. He especially loved spending time with his great-granddaughter, Tahlia. Norbert was preceded in death by his parents; son, Marty; sisters, Adeline, Rose, Margaret and Athrelda; and his pal, Rags. Norbert is survived by his charming bride of 61 years, Frances; daughter, Tracy Suomala; favorite granddaughter, Ashlie; grandsons, Nick and Ryan; great-granddaughter, Tahlia - the apple of his eye; sister-in-law, Lois Olsen, all of Duluth and Hermantown; brother, Gerald (Irene) Sloan of Detroit Lakes; sister, Genny Clukey of Florida; and many relatives and friends. Special thanks to St. Luke’s Hospital for taking such great care of Norbert, including Carol, Tim, Dr. Molly, and staff, and so many others. Visitation will be held from 10-11AM, followed by a Service of Remembrance at 11AM, Saturday, 6/30/18 at Bell Brother’s Funeral Home, 601 N. 56th Ave. W., Duluth. Private interment at Bethany Cemetery. Please make donations to St. Luke’s Hospital or a charity of your choice. No flowers please.