Norman Barlund

Norman Barlund, age 96 of Milbank died August 27, 2017, at Milbank Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 2, at 2:00 p.m. at Living Word Lutheran Church. Rev. Kent Groethe will officiate and burial with military honors will be in the Milbank City Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the church on Saturday, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Casket bearers will be: Dathan Erdahl, Kendall Erdahl, Doug Barlund, Craig Barlund, Curt Pansch, and Steve Pochardt.
Honorary bearers will be: Ardell Nelson, Kelly Hines, Gordon Johnson, John Pochardt, Norman Remund, and Dale Remund.

Norman Barlund was born February 11, 1921, at Marvin, SD, to Peter Barlund and Thora Slaalin Barlund. Norman was baptized on April 24, 1921, and confirmed into the Lutheran faith on June 14, 1936. Norman moved with his family to Wilmot, SD, in 1924 and attended rural school at Springdale #5. In 1942, Norman moved to a farm south of Milbank. He served in the United States Army from October 28, 1944, until November 20, 1946. Norman was sent to Luzon in the Philippines and joined Company H of the 126 Infantry, 32nd Division in May of 1945. At the end of the hostilities he was sent to Japan for one year with the Army of Occupation. Following his honorable discharge as a Sergeant, Norman returned to South Dakota. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal with one Star, Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Victory Medal.

Upon his return home, Norman began his career in farming. He was united in marriage with Jeannette Erdahl on September 28, 1954, at Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown, SD.

Norman was a member of Living Word Lutheran Church and had served on the church council of American Lutheran Church. He served on the Grant County Board of Education and the Draft Board. He served on the Madison Township Board. He was a founding member and Treasurer of the rural water board. Norman was a county crop reporter for over 20 years. He was a life member of the V.F.W.

Left to cherish his memory are his son and daughter-in-law: Warren and Vesta Erdahl of London, OH; two grandsons: Dathan (Natalie) Erdahl and Kendall (Lisa) Erdahl, all of Troy, OH; seven great-grandchildren: Annaliese, Aleah, Eliana, Arissa, Maxwell, Michael, and Meghan; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his 11 siblings: Bertina Johnson, Borgel Barlund, Paul Barlund, Ole Barlund, Otto Barlund, Mina Johnson, Alma Christianson, Rose Barlund, Ruby Hines, Thea Barlund, and Harold Barlund.

The family suggests that memorials be given to the Grant County Food Pantry or to Living Word Lutheran Church.