He was born in Madison, Minnesota, on May 16, 1913, to Joseph and Minnie Johnson Norby. In 1931 Paul graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis, and in 1936 he graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. In 1937 Paul went to Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida and became a Naval Aviator in June 1938. Paul was attached to the Aircraft Carrier Saratoga when WWII broke out, and he left San Diego on December 8, 1941 for Pearl Harbor.
Paul married Dorothy Erickson in Mabel, Minnesota, on July 2, 1939. When the war ended in 1945 they returned to Mabel, Minnesota where they lived for the rest of their lives together and raised their adopted children, Stephen and Christy. Paul was the manager of Norby’s Clothing Store (formerly Erickson’s), until he became Postmaster in Mabel in 1955 from which he retired in 1976. He also continued his affiliation with the Navy as a Weekend Warrior at the Naval Air Station in Minneapolis. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1959 and retired in 1973.
Paul and Dorothy were active residents of Mabel. Paul was involved with the Mabel Business Association, School Board, First State Bank, Boy Scouts, VFW, American Legion, to name a few. He was the Village Clerk and Steam Engine Days Parade Chair and had his hands in “most everything that went on in the City.” Paul was an avid deer hunter, duck hunter, and fisherman.
Paul died peacefully in Wayzata, Minnesota on October 3, 2015 at the age of 102.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife and his five siblings Maurice Norby, Helen Thompson, Alice Behrents, Constance Nasby, and Richard Norby. He is survived by his children Steve (Jane) and Christy, and his grandchildren Kelly and Kevin.
On Saturday October 17, 2015 a memorial service will be held at the Mabel First Lutheran Church at 12:00 noon. Memorial donations can be made to the Children’s Home Society of Minnesota, 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN 55108. |
