Norman “Norm” Edward Van Loon was born on June 2, 1929, in New Amsterdam, Wis., to Frank and Tillie Van Loon. Norm went home to be with the Lord Jesus on September 13, 2024, at age 95.
Norm grew up in Holmen, where he attended and graduated from Holmen High School in 1947. He married Beatrice Bymers on June 9, 1951, in New Amsterdam.
In 1965, Norm and his family moved to Houston, Minn., into a house that he designed and assisted in building. This house was filled with laughter, tears and love for almost 60 years. The time and seasons of life lived in that house, and the friends and family it was shared with, were truly a blessing and very special. This house was not just a house; it was a home used to honor God so many times and in so many ways.
Norm worked selling insurance through Northwestern Mutual with his father-in-law and at Outers Laboratories before becoming a baker at Erickson/Metz Bakery in La Crosse and retiring in 1990. Upon retirement, Norm and Bea spent winters in Gulf Shores, Ala. After Beatrice died in 2008, Norm married Mary L. Bymers on September 12, 2009, in Houston, Minn. He cared for Mary until she died in 2022.
Norm was a man of many talents. If he set his mind to something, there were very few things that he could not accomplish. He was also an overcomer. When given six weeks to live after a diagnosis of colon cancer, he lived another 34 years. He also survived kidney cancer. This mindset has been passed on to many of his children and grandchildren.
Of all the wonderful things that Norm passed on to his family, the best one was his love for God. Norm accepted Christ into his heart as a child. He shared his faith with his children and grandchildren through word and deed. Norm was a strong prayer warrior, and while he was not a big talker, no one left his presence without knowing he cared about you.
The twinkle in his eyes, the dimples and quirk of his cheeks when he smiled, and the warmth in his hug will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Norm was preceded in death by his wives Beatrice Van Loon and Mary L. Bymers-Van Loon, and his siblings Lester Van Loon and Marjorie Knower.
He is survived by his sister Ruth Van Loon Monski, children Kenneth (Sandra) Van Loon, Timothy (Rita) Van Loon, Ronald (Cindi) Van Loon, and Kimberly Van Loon; grandchildren Rebecca VanLoon, Jonathan (Cheryl) Van Loon, Nathan (Ashley) Van Loon, Andrew (Michelle) Van Loon, Benjamin (Kari) Van Loon, and Angela (Keith) Burisek; great-grandchildren Bridget, Amber, Calvin, Brielle, Porter, Gabe, Darla and Archer Van Loon; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Hoff Funeral Home in Houston, Minn., from 10 a.m. to noon. A memorial service will begin at noon. A celebration of life gathering will take place at Bethany Free Church immediately following the service. Norman will be laid to rest at Green Mound Cemetery in Holmen, Wis.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: Houston Bethany Free Church, Heritage Court Foundation, or Houston Community Ambulance.
Hoff Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.