James Allan Norsten

James A. Norsten, 78, of Spicer, passed away Friday, August 1st at Cura of Willmar. His memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Friday, August 8th at Assembly of God in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to his service at the church. Memorials are preferred to Kingdom Projects at Willmar Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar.  www.hafh.org

James Allan Norsten was born on December 3, 1946, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Donald and Dorothy (Johnson) Norsten. Jim grew up in Willmar, where he attended school and excelled in athletics, earning All-Conference honors in football, basketball, and baseball.

He continued his education at Luther College in Iowa for two years. On December 13, 1969, Jim was united in marriage to Karen Orr in Eagle Bend, Minnesota. Together they were blessed with four children: Jana, Kristen, Amy, and Scott.

Jim's professional life took the family to several places. He worked as a Nursing Home Administrator in Rapid City, SD for six years, then spent ten years in Colorado in restaurant management. In 1986, Jim and Karen returned to Willmar, where Jim began working at McMillian’s. In 2002, they moved to their beloved home on Green Lake, where they created cherished family memories enjoying various lake activities through the summer months.

Jim had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, RVing, camping, and watching sports. One of his greatest joys was caring for his grandchildren as a daycare provider—roles he fulfilled with love and pride.

Jim’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life. From the age of six, he put his trust in Jesus and lived each day with gratitude, continually praising God. His faith served as a steady rock for him and those who loved him.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend—kind-hearted, faith-filled, and family-focused.

Jim is survived by his wife, Karen; children: Jana (Terry) Antony, Kristen Norsten, Amy (Nick) Ciske and their children: Shiloh, Hosannah, and Ellie; and Scott (Alissa) Norsten and their children: Madison, Makayla and Mason; sister-in-law, Sue Schiro and nephews: Todd and Eric Norsten.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dale; infant sister, Betty Jane; grandparents, nephew, Chad Norsten and many aunts and uncles.

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