Elizabeth Norvell, age 92, of Laurel, Nebraska, died peacefully at her home on May 17, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.
Due to current Covid-19 health-care measures, a private Funeral service will be held for immediate family members on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Laurel with the Rev. Matthew Quanbeck officiating. Burial of her cremated remains will be in the Laurel cemetery. The family invites you to view the service via a live stream feed at www.laurelulc.org/live-stream. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Laurel.
Elizabeth was born on December 14, 1927 in Laurel, NE to Gustav and Matilda Paulsen. She was baptized January 15, 1928 into the Lutheran Faith and confirmed in 1943. She attended elementary and secondary school at Laurel Public and graduated in 1946. Following graduation, she attended Wayne State Teacher College and from there she received her teaching certificate and taught school for 9½ years. Liz met her future husband, William L. Norvell, while teaching in Randolph, NE. They were married on April 8, 1951 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Coleridge, Nebraska. Three children were born into this union- Deborah, Nancy and Scott.
Bill and Liz moved to Laurel in 1953. She took great pride in many community activities. She participated and especially enjoyed working with her church family and serving the Lord. Liz enjoyed her family and treasured the times spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Liz also enjoyed opportunities to volunteer, had a passion for music, loved singing, and enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, bowling, reading, walking and she loved to dance!! She was known for her decorating- be it her house for different seasons or her passion for “dressing her best”.
Elizabeth is survived by her children: Deb (Phil) Nielsen of Bloomfield, NE, Nancy (Gene) Sic of North Bend, NE, Scott (Kristi) Norvell of Omaha, NE; six grandchildren: Jessica (Nielsen) & Jonathon Buck; Lindsey (Nielsen) & Jeff Jenkins; Stephanie (Sic) & Adam Bell; Andrew & Amanda Sic; Paxton Norvell and Allee Norvell; six great grandchildren: Otto Buck; Gus & (baby sister to arrive in June) Jenkins; Akryn & Blake Bell; Cole & Jake Sic; one sister, Adele (Warren) Eidsness of Rose Mount, MN; many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
She was preceded in death, by her parents; husband Bill on 10/4/1989; three brothers (and spouses), Harold & Bonnie Paulsen, Francis & Helen Paulsen, Charles and Wilma Paulsen; and two sisters (and spouse) Madelyn Micklis, Martha Lou (Dick) Murphy.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Liz’s caregivers at Hillcrest Care Center (including Sandy’s extra attention), in Laurel, NE, to Bev with Hospice, and a special loving thank you to her dear friend/caregiver Sarah . Your gifts of compassion and professional care were blessings to Mom and her family.
Liz will be remembered as one who always reached out – reached out to welcome someone new to town, reached out to greet the newest member at church, reached out to share her faith with others and reached out to her family with laughter and love. As Mom wrote to us: “This isn’t goodbye, as I’ll greet you in heaven someday.”
Memorials may be given to United Lutheran Church, Laurel, NE or to the Laurel Senior Center. If you wish to send condolences, please send to Family of Liz Norvell P.O. Box 86, 105 Wakefield St. Laurel, NE 68745.
