Norvald Osnes
September 12, 1924 - February 25, 2017
Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Norvald Johannes Osnes has passed away; he will be together again with his recently departed wife of 61 years, Berit.
Born in Torvastad, Norway, Norvald was the eldest of three children. He is preceded in death by brothers Arne and Bernhard, his mother Herborg Stenstø-Osnes, and his father Nils Osnes.
Norvald immigrated from Norway to the U.S. in 1952 to find work as a carpenter. He met Berit Olsen in Seattle, who was from the same small island in Norway called Karmøy, and they were married in 1955.
During the 1960’s Norvald would work seven to nine months out of the year as a Construction Foreman in Alaska, but eventually began working primarily in Seattle to spend more time with his family. He worked for local construction companies, built houses, and ended his career as a Carpenter working for Thornberg Construction, a home remodeling business.
He retired at age 65 but kept busy as an all-around handyman for his wife, family, and friends well into his eighties. Up until his struggles with dementia, most Fridays he could be found at the Kaffe Stua in Ballard’s Leif Erikson Lodge eating Norwegian open-faced sandwiches, drinking coffee and visiting with friends.
He is survived by his children, Lawrence (Larry) Osnes and Debra Greeny, son-in-law John Greeny, grandsons Erik and Mark Greeny, and many beloved relatives in Norway.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful staff at All About Seniors adult family home in Shoreline, Washington and Kline Gallard Hospice.
As per his wishes there will be no memorial and the family requests in lieu of flowers that a donation be made in his memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
“O God, who hast commanded us to honor our father and our mother; in Thy mercy have pity on the soul of my father, and forgive his trespasses; and make me to see him again in the joy of everlasting brightness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
R.I.P. We love you and miss you. See you in Heaven.
Until we met again
I’m so sorry to hear this. Norvald was a genuine sweetheart of a man.
Feel sorry for Larry and Debra and family. I have great memories from uncle Norvalds visits to Norway, and will keep them for the rest of my life.
I am so sorry and will be praying for Debra and Larry and their families and friends. Norvald was such a constant, cheerful, and kind friend to my Grandparents, Tore and Magnhild Egenes. His smiling face is part of my happy childhood memories! I would see that same smile from time to time through the years at the 17th of May parade and it would always flood my heart with memories of yahtzee!, his fun and spontaneous accordian playing, and of course spending time with his children Debra and Larry who we adored. What a lovely legacy to leave. Sending Love and prayers for peace and comfort.
I met Novald through his friendship with my parents, Paul and Ruth, I will always remember him as a genuine, kind and engaging man. I recall a time when he was hanging cabinets in my parents cabin, it looked like a mess to me and I remember wondering if he really knew what he was doing. He must have noticed the look on my face because he said, it kind of looks like a mess doesn’t it? I said yes, it does. He said with a smile, it will look better when it’s done, you’ll see. Of course, when he was done, the cabinets looked perfect.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
To Larry and Family,
I’m very sorry to learn about the passing of your father and grandfather. What a pioneer and what a life! I send my condolences to you, Debbie and John Greeny, and your extended family. Always emember, Norvald Osnes may be gone in the flesh but he and his spirit still lives on in all of you.
Deb,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones,
as you journey through this most difficult time. I am so sorry. My heart aches for you, in the loss of your Dad and Mom.
I have been trying to find you for quite some time and haven’t
been able to. When you feel ready Deb, I would love to hear from you. buziebee28@comcast.net
I pray, our Lord comforts and gives you the strength you
need for each new day.
Love, Barb Ekins Gulick
We are so sorry for your loss! Norvald was always so friendly, kind and genuinely interested in the lives of those he knew and loved.
John has many good memories of the summer he spent helping your dad build on his parents’ cabin on Stevens Pass. He learned so much from him, especially his attention to detail and his cheerful attitude towards work.
We pray that God will give you comfort in your grief and that your memories will help ease your sorrow.
Blessings,
John and Lori Vaaga