Robert Christian Norling

Obituary Robert Christian Norling 1921 - 2005 Our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away very peacefully with family by his side early in the morning on December 23, 2005. Robert was born on July 17, 1921 in Tacoma, Washington to parents Gina and Oscar Norling. He was an only child and was raised in Tacoma his entire life. He attended Franklin Elementary School, Jason Lee Junior High School and Stadium High School. After graduation he worked at Western Electric before joining the Army to serve his country during WWII. At that time he was dating Mary Jeanne Cleary, and while on furlough in July of 1944, they were married at St. Leo's Church. They returned to Tacoma the following year and he began working for Pacific NW Bell. He worked there 37 years and retired in 1982. In his retirement he enjoyed many things: his children, grandchildren and especially his beloved wife Mary Jeanne. He loved family gatherings, holidays, daily walks with Mary Jeanne, telling corny jokes and watching sports on TV. Robert was preceded in death by his parents Gina and Oscar Norling, his wife Mary Jeanne Cleary Norling, sisters-in-law: Theresa Burkey, Betty Scott; brothers-in-law Leslie T. Cleary, Jr., Matthew Cleary and Louie Burkey; nieces Lisa and Gail, nephews Mark, Patrick and Baby Louie. He felt blessed to have a very large extended family. He is survived by daughters Christine Paar and Cathie Baird (George), sons Robert Norling, Jr., and Eric Norling (Toni), grandchildren Vince Baird (Dayna), Angela Sorenson (Jeff), Emily Paar, Kailey Norling, Jacob Norling, and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Katie Brown, Rita Cleary, Barbara Cleary, and Mollie Cleary; brothers-in-law: Jim Scott and Pat Cleary, and 37 nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Alex Mihali for his years of wonderful loving care of Dad and the fantastic staff at Manor Care. We will love him and miss him always. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, December 28, 2005, 11:00 am at St. Patrick Parish. The Rosary will be recited Tuesday, December 27, 2005 7:00 pm at St. Patrick's. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.