Dwight "Skip" Harlan Norrell, 79
Dwight "Skip" Harlan Norrell, 79, of Prior Lake, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, from a short but courageous battle with cancer surrounded in prayer and love from family. Dwight was born on December 20, 1944, to Thelma and Edward Norrell in Debs, Minnesota. He was the youngest of eleven children. In 1969, Dwight met the love of his life Patty. They married on June 20, 1970, and shared 54 years with one another. Together they had two children, Kami Lynn Thompson of Plymouth and Katy Leigh Harmon of Prior Lake.
After he graduated from Erskine high school in 1963, he enlisted in the Navy where he served for 7 years in Asia. After serving in the Navy, he got his license to become an A & P mechanic. Throughout the years Skip worked as a well driller in the mines on the Iron Range, spent 13 years as a warehouse manager at Cherne, and had a long career working at TSE where he spent many years traveling to Asia, mostly in Taiwan. While there he also created many lifelong friendships. At the end of his career, he worked as a produce clerk at Sam’s, and as a stock clerk at Lunds.
When Skip was not working, he had an incredible artistic talent. When he was young, he drew, painted, and even created a mural at his high school. Skip created beautiful, dried flower pictures, and delicate flower wood carvings. He loved being creative in his gardens and often used the time in his garden planting with his grandchildren. One of the things he loved doing the most was watching his granddaughters in their activities, especially watching them dance. He had such a great love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. These children extended his legacy of love.
Dwight is preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Edward Norrell. His siblings; Don, Luella, Harvey, Dorthy, Evelyn, Everett.
He is survived by his wife Patricia Norrell, his children: Kami Thompson, Katy Harmon (Peter), his grandchildren; Tyler, Taryn, Lyla, Norell, Thea, and great-grandchildren Sami, Ava, and Jelena. His siblings; Lorna, Judy, Dennis, Larry, and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to the VA who provided guidance, care, and financial help throughout his medical journey. Thank you to his Allina senior home health care team, and hospice team for the care they gave him. Thank you to Pastor Laurah Githinji of JCCTC Church for helping to guide him home. A special thank you to his son-in-law Peter for all the love and care he gave him
A private ceremony will be held on January 3 at Fort Snelling. A celebration of life will happen at a later date that will be announced near the springtime.
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