Dale Noreen

Dale A. Noreen, 82 of Duluth, died Wednesday Jan. 29th at St. Luke’s Hospice after a short illness with his family by his side.  Dale was born May 2, 1937 in Duluth to Carl and Elna Noreen.

He was a very proud 1956 grad from Duluth Denfeld where he was an outstanding multi-sport athlete. He was a fierce competitor. His passion with hockey started at an early age under the tutelage of Ray Peterson at Wheeler. He progressed to playing at Denfeld, UMD, and then eclipsing with the 1961 US National Team.

After his playing career, he wanted to stay connected to the game, so he officiated high school and college hockey until the late 70’s, when he took over responsibilities of managing the scoreboard and officials with his beloved UMD Bulldogs for another 20+ years. He also enjoyed his fastpitch softball playing years with all the local legends starting with Royal 58, Amber Flow, Twins Bar and later with the old guys at the Buffalo House. He hung up the cleats only to find a second passion with golf. He was a member of Ridgeview CC for many years, and at Lester Park Golf Course for the last 25 years. Many lifelong friendships were the result of all these activities.

Of his many accomplishments, his greatest was his family. Dale married the love of his life, Sharon Moran on December 1, 1962. In their 57 years together, they raised four children that brought eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren to love. His family was everything to him, and watching these kids grow, participate in sports and other activities was cherished.

Dale served in the Army for two years after high school and was part of the honor guard at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier and Arlington National Cemetery. He was a hard worker, starting with paper routes as a kid with his brother and then working in the family excavating business. He began his professional career in 1963 as a Sales Account Manager with the Pillsbury Company until his retirement in 1985. He was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, Denfeld Alumni Class of 1956 and Lester Park Men's Golf Club.

He was preceded by his parents, Carl and Elna and his brother, Jerry.

Dale is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Kevin (Dana) Noreen,  Shari (Kevin) Cloutier, Todd (Gia) Noreen and Heather (Mike) Johnson; grandchildren, Amanda, Benn, Meredith, Jake, Taylor, Thomas, Jaxon and Joey; great grandchildren,  Lukas, Teddy, Noah, Teighan and Jett; siblings, Denny (Alicia) Noreen, Karen Noreen; brother in law, Denny (Judy) Moran and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday from 2-4pm in the Dougherty Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue Monday from 10am to the 11am service at Concordia Lutheran Church, 2501 Woodland Ave., Duluth, MN.  Memorials to Ray Peterson Fund at Heritage Center or Concordia Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555.