Mendley O. Norby

Funeral services will be at 11 AM Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Chaplain Bonnie Schandorf will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Aurora. Mendley Orville Norby, 79, of Palo died Monday, January 9, 2012 at his home. Mendley was born on June 7, 1932 to Herman and Sophie (Malvik) Norby in Gary, MN. Mendley was a talented musician. He was a self taught guitarist who would play anywhere he had the opportunity. His shining moment was the time he had chance to play onstage with Merle Haggard. While working at Gopher Motors in Minneapolis, he caught the rare chance to meet the legendary Tex Ritter. Besides music, Mendley loved rebuilding old cars, tractors, and motorbikes. He enjoyed sharing his interests with his only son, Mark. Mendley was employed by Pilgrims Laundry as a truck driver for many years. Mendley is remembered as a kind and gentle soul. Survivors include: One son: Mark (Hilary) Norby of Cologne, MN Daughter: Angelia Wright of Arizona Grandchildren: Lisa Wright of Plymouth, MN Beverly Ann Norby of Suwanee, GA Katie Brown of Chaska, MN Maureen Alvino of Minneapolis Two great-grandchildren: Katie and Victor One sister: Dorothy Haugen of Mt. Iron Lifelong companion of 35 years: Lucy Torgerson of Palo Numerous nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Gladys, Ed, Herman, Clarence, Gerald, and Sally.