Elmer J. Norgard

December 8, 1923 - January 11, 2013

Elmer J. Norgard, 89, of Washington State passed away peacefully Friday, January 11, 2013 at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, WA. Elmer was born in Springfield, WI on December 8, 1923, a son of the late Jens and Lillian (Dahl) Norgard. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II aboard the USS Doyle C. Barnes - DE 353. Following the war, he married Ellen Leonard in 1951 in Hebron and celebrated 62 years of marriage. Elmer and Ellen owned and operated a gas and service station in Eagle, CO and when his health declined, Elmer retired and they devoted their time to their son. In 1998 they moved to Washington State to spend time with their grandsons. He enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing and gardening. He also enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes. More than anything, he enjoyed his time with his grandsons. Elmer is survived by his wife Ellen, a son EJ (Shannon), twin grandsons Ethan and Josh, a sister Marie Defoe; two sisters-in-law Virginia Oost and Esther Puhl, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents Jens and Lillian, three brothers Chris Norgard, Ervin Norgard and Carl Puhl. The family plans on having a celebration of Elmer's life the summer of 2013 in Wisconsin,. Memorial donations to Whatcom Hospice Foundation 2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225.