Obituary of Thomas F. Norberg

Thomas Fred Norberg, master of the “dad joke”, Vietnam vet, generous friend, father and grandfather died on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021. Tom was born in Duluth Minnesota to Vivian and Fred Norberg (original master of the “dad joke” and later proud owner of the “Grandpa Fred joke”). The family moved to Portland, Oregon when Tom was still very young and soon after his mom died. Tom’s older sister Karen cared for him in the years following his mom’s death and the two stayed close throughout their lives. Fred eventually remarried, a widow named “Vi” who would later teach the kids and grandkids how to make the best apple pies (a favorite of Tom’s). Tom’s loving care for his stepmom Vi in her later years was a beautiful display of how family comes from many places. Tom was a Vietnam vet and proud of his service in the Marine Corps but he also valued peace and kindness and gave often to organizations working to help others in need. He was a generous friend with a quiet ear when you needed it. He graduated from Benson High School and promptly went onto work in sheet metal in the construction industry until his retirement. He was a proud supporter of labor unions and his ductwork can be seen in many prominent buildings throughout Portland and the surrounding areas. Tom is survived by his 3 children and their mother Mary, 5 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a very loud cat. He is remembered as a kind and generous man with a quirky and mischievous sense of humor. Tom’s ashes will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery on Monday, November 22nd, 2021 at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to The Alano Club of Portland or The Wounded Warrior Project.