At the age of 74, Norman Ray Van Haaften passed away peacefully in the presence of his beloved family on November 21, 2016, at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center, Shakopee, MN. He was a resident of the Prior Lake Community, but now resides in the presence of God, Jesus and family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 26 at 12 (noon), with visitation starting at 10:30 am, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 833. South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN. Pastor A. Paul Olson will preside. Memorial are preferred to a cancer organization of your choice in memory of Norm.
Born on July 17, 1942 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Norm was the son of Arie and Grace (Vander Leest) VanHaaften. He was a loving husband to wife Judy for 13 years. Norm’s life was filled with being a father to 6 children and a grandfather to 12 grandchildren. Growing up in a spiritual family, he has always felt close to God, especially over the last years.
Norm loved working with his hands and especially wood working. He enjoyed building furniture, clocks, birdhouses, and other craft items. Norm also loved to travel and visited numerous countries in his life time. Norm was an avid sports fan and especially auto racing, baseball and football. Norm was hard working and made many friends over his lifetime with his outgoing and warm personality. His optimistic message of ‘keep smiling’ will be missed by many.
Left to honor Norm’s life and mourn the death is his wife, Judy; children, Steven (Linda) Van Haaften, Karin (Kevin) Hartigan, Douglas (Amy) Van Haaften, Sandra Kay (Chris) Heasley, Jeffrey (Dawn) Van Haaften, Christopher Van Haaften; stepdaughter, Jodi (Tom) Vallez; 12 loving grandchildren; sister, Marcia (Gary) Wouterse; and many relatives and friends.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Norman home in heaven is his parents and infant brother, Marvin Edward and brother in-law, Myron DeJong.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Van Haaften family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
