Harriet Norland, 100

July 25, 1919 —

Dec. 16, 2019

 

FORMERLY of CRESCO - Harriet Cleone (Aspenson) Norland, age 100, passed away surrounded by her family in Richmond, Ky. on Dec. 16, 2019. 

Services will be held on Dec. 27, 2019 at First Lutheran Church in Cresco, Iowa, starting with visitation at 10 a.m. The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon at the church.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

Harriet was born on July 25, 1919 in Forest City, Iowa to Clara (Josvanger) and Oscar Aspenson, Sr.

Her life spanned 100 years, and her journey took her from rural Iowa to Kansas and back to Cresco, with her beloved husband, Marvin. 

Harriet was devoted to family, teaching and the church. She treasured her former students and corresponding with friends and relatives. She leaves an enduring legacy through her family and many students whose lives she positively affected during the course of her teaching career. She moved to Richmond in 2018 to be close to her daughter, Marcia.

Harriet graduated from Forest City High School, and then she matriculated to Luther College, where she was among the first females to attend. She also played clarinet in the Luther band. She and Marvin were married in 1941 and the Luther College president performed the ceremony.

Harriet was a teacher in several locations across Iowa starting with Frankville, Rossie, Ridgeway, Cresco and North Winneshiek and also in Harmony, Minn. as well. Throughout her career, she taught speech and debate. She directed plays and operas, coached girls basketball and softball and was an assistant librarian and a substitute teacher.

She belonged to several civic groups and also functioned as an administrative assistant for her husband’s business.

Harriet is survived by her children, Marcia (Bruce) 

MacLaren and Stephen (Susan) Norland; her grandchildren, John (Mary Ann) MacLaren, Heather Mac-Laren, Emily (Craig) Hetherington, Anna Norland and Benjamin (Courtney) Norland; and her great-grandchildren, Millicent and Cyrus; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; her beloved parents; brothers, Donald and Oscar Aspenson; and sister Corolla Lennon.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be sent to First Lutheran Church, Cresco, Iowa. 

Lindstrom Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.