Eileen Ida Norby

Eileen Ida Norby, 88, of New London, died Saturday, August 8 at Glen Oaks in New London. Her memorial service will be 11:00 am, Thursday, August 13 at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Eileen Norby was born on August 11, 1937, to Ingmar and Ida (Hollen) Rudningen in Sunburg, Minnesota. She was raised on the family farm in Sunburg and graduated from Kerkhoven High School in 1955. On December 29, 1954, Eileen was united in marriage to Fred Norby. They made their home in South St. Paul and later Inver Grove Heights, where they owned and operated the Pine Bend Motel. The family eventually moved to New London, where they owned and operated the Lakeview Motel until 2003.

Eileen was a member of Green Lake Lutheran Church. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, and crocheting, using her talents to make clothing and blankets for babies at Rice Hospital. After retiring, Eileen spent many years volunteering with programs such as Care Cab, Senior Companion, Glen Oaks, Foster Grandparents, the Senior Center and American Legion Auxiliary. She also enjoyed taking many bus trips with friends, traveling throughout the United States, and visiting relatives with her sisters.

Eileen was known for being an extremely hard worker. She was not afraid of long hours and was often known to work late into the night and rise early the next morning to keep the motel businesses running smoothly. Her strong work ethic and willingness to help others were an important part of who she was, along with her great personality and quick wit. She was loved by so many.

Eileen is survived by her children, Milan (Beth) Norby and Laureen (Larry) Larson; grandchildren, Chad Norby, Jake Norby, Tamara Tew, Jesse Hanson, Joe Hanson, Amanda Larson, and Tom Larson; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her former husband, Fred Norby; son, Lowell Norby; daughter, Lisa Norby-Miller; grandson, Josh Norby; parents, Ingmar and Ida Rudningen; and siblings, Yvonne Lindgren, DeWayne Rudningen, Russell Rudningen, Winfield Rudningen, Lenore Ellendson, and Alice Williams.

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