Obituary of Peder J. Norbye

Peder Johannes Norbye was born October 30, 1917, in Devon, Toole County, Montana, to Ingebrigt and Karen (Langli) Norbye. He passed away at Swedish Medical Center in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 27, 2016, at the age of 99. His parents had emigrated from Norway just four months before Peder was born, and settled on their homestead near Devon, Montana. In 1923, his family moved from Montana to Lincoln County, Colorado, where Pete lived for the remainder of his life. Pete attended country school near his home and after finishing 8th grade, being the oldest son, he was needed at home to help on the farm. So, he generously gave up his love of learning to help his family. At the age of eighteen he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and furthered his education through their programs and earned his high school diploma. He then joined his father in the family farming and ranching business, which he continued in until his retirement at the age of 83. Being active in agriculture and livestock, Pete was a member of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and took several trips as a representative of the local Farmers Union. He was a 4-H leader and enjoyed teaching the local boys all about tractor safety, and always had a special fondness for “his boys.” During the off seasons of his ranching and farming life, carpentry kept him busy. He built and/or remodeled many homes in the area including his parents’ home, and two of his own homes. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and was a member of The Norsemen of the Rockies and the Sons of Norway. He instilled in his children a love of all things Norway. He was able to take several trips to Norway, loved his Norwegian relatives, traditions, and speaking Norwegian. Pete loved learning and could always be found reading a book, newspaper, or even the encyclopedia or dictionary. He also spent many hours “exercising his brain” by working his puzzles: crossword puzzles, word searches, and Sudoku. He had a natural musical talent and taught himself to play the accordion, harmonica, piano and guitar. As a young man, he loved to play in the band at the local country dances. He enjoyed playing cards and many of the local neighbors would gather at someone’s home and play cards late into the night. He learned to use the computer and enjoyed playing card games, and reading the Norwegian newspaper on-line. Pete was baptized and confirmed at the Walks Camp Lutheran Church and remained a lifetime, dedicated member. He married his first love Arlene Jeanette Einertson on January 28, 1949, at Christ Lutheran Church in Genoa, Colorado. To this union were born four children: Karen Elizabeth, Irwin Charles, Anna Jeanette, and Peggy Joanne. They made their home at the Norbye farm twenty miles north of Limon in a small home that Pete built in 1950, until he built a new home for Arlene a mile north of the home place in 1976. Over the years, Pete suffered the tragic loss of two children, Ann and Chuck, and his beloved wife Arlene. In 1982, Pete met and married the second love of his life, Dorice McKinley Miller, on September 16, 1982, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This marriage expanded his family to include three stepsons, Larry, Bill, and Alan. Pete and Dorice enjoyed traveling throughout the United States in their camper, and have been a great support to each other through the years. At the age of 80, Pete decided that he’d like to live to be at least 100 years old. Even after battling several serious illnesses he did not back down from this goal. After each illness, he would again set his sights on the 100-year mark. He was fondly referred to as a “tough Norwegian!” On October 30, 2016, Pete celebrated his 99th birthday with close family, and many, many birthday cards from family and friends. He thoroughly enjoyed the day and was excited to think that in one year he would celebrate his 100th birthday. But, alas, this was not to be. Shortly following his 99th birthday, following a short illness, he was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. Pete may not have reached the 100-year mark, but he did live 28 days into his 100th year. A remarkable accomplishment! He was preceded in death by his first wife Arlene, daughter Ann, son Chuck, grandson Andrew Norbye, his parents, brother “little” Olaf, sister Olive Calvert, a second brother Olaf, and sister Ovidia Smith. He is survived by his wife of the family home, Dorice; daughter Karen (Jerry) Eastin of Holly, Colorado; daughter Peggy (Rick) Ashcraft of Limon, Colorado; grandchildren: Jeff Eastin of Denver, Gregg (Teresa) Eastin of Oakdale, MN; Charles (Chelsea) Norbye, Becky Williams, and Kya Norbye all of Odessa, TX; Sara (Chris) Riedel of Hill City, KS; and Anna Ashcraft of Limon, Colorado; Kiley Holman of Indianapolis, IN; Chad (Sunni) Ashcraft of Lakeside, AZ: step-sons, Larry, Bill, and Alan Miller all of Texas; seven great grandchildren (with the eighth one due to arrive in April); and seven step great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters: Rosie Lohmeier of Limon, Colorado, and Inga Pirkle of Aurora, Colorado; plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Walks Camp Lutheran Church (in care of Kim Korsvold, 53898 CR 71, Limon, Colorado 80828) or to the charity of the donor’s choice.