Jarle M. Norstad

Jarle Martin Norstad, age 71, a lifelong resident of Cannon Falls, died peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026 at his home in the valley, where he has lived his whole life.

Jarle was born on February 13, 1955 in Red Wing, the son of Orlando and Edna (Paul) Norstad. He graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1973.

He married his high school sweetheart, Debra Lundell on November 2, 1974 at St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church, Cannon Falls.

For over two decades, from 1989 to 2010, he stood on the sidelines as a Cannon Falls High School football coach — though anyone who knew him understood that his heart belonged to every Bomber team, in every sport. If there was a game, Jarle was there, cheering. He taught driver's education with the Cannon Valley Driving School from 1989 to 1996, calmly surviving more first left turns than anyone should have to. He served on the school board from 1992 to 1996. And from 1996 until his retirement in 2020, he was a federal employee carrying the mail for the U.S. Postal Service, delivering more than letters along his route — a wave, a chat, a familiar face, every day.

At home, Jarle was happiest with a project in front of him. He built furniture in his woodshop for family and friends, pieces made to be handed down. He enjoyed tinkering on the farm whether it was raising cows, working the garden or restoring old tractors, bringing rusted iron back to life. He played softball as long as he could, picked up pickleball when he couldn't, and never turned down a round of golf with the guys. As for the Minnesota Vikings — well, that was complicated. He loved them, they broke his heart, but he stayed in the game every season.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Orlando Jr., Bob, and Gary Norstad; sister, RoseAnn Lindsey; and sisters-in-law, Bonnie Norstad and Linda Norstad; and niece, Samantha Fuller.

He is survived by his wife of over 51 years, Debra; children, Nicole Norstad of Inver Grove Heights, Matthew (Jenny) Norstad of Nerstrand and step grandchildren, Kai and Taylar Lace, and Lindsay (Jason ) Reid of Cannon Falls and grandson, Daniel Reid; siblings, Jim of Rushford, Steve of Cannon Falls, Kristi Fuller of Portland, OR, and Deb (Gregg Ramstrom) of Cannon Falls; sisters-in-law, Kathy Norstad of Waite Park, Martha Norstad and Mary Norstad, both of Cannon Falls; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and loving family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25 at 11:00 am, with visitation from 9:00-11:00 am, at St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church, Cannon Falls. This service will be live-streamed and available to watch below.

Active urn bearer will be his grandson, Daniel Reid.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Jarle's name to Bomber Boosters, Alzheimer's Association , or St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in Jarle’s service via livestream, you can watch the service on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00 am. It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click PLAY to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.