Willard Norberg's Obituary
Willard (Bill) Warren Norberg, of Pineville, NC, went to be with his Saviour June 17, 2023, at the age of 100 at his home, surrounded by family. He was born November 13,1922, in Lemington, WI to the late Gustaf and Ruth Norberg.
Bill retired from Belk Services. His loves in life were The Lord Jesus Christ, his family and friends, America, and The U.S. Navy. Bill is known to all as a dedicated friend and a kind-hearted man with unimpeachable character! He has a special place in his heart for U.S. Navy servicemen & women and has made numerous appearances and given speeches on behalf of the Navy. He is a combat veteran of World War II in the Pacific, having served aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) aircraft carrier from 1941-1945. While on Enterprise, Bill was a participant in key Pacific battles, including the Doolittle Raid, Midway, the Guadalcanal campaign, Eastern Solomons, Santa Cruz Islands, the Philippine Sea, and Leyte Gulf. Enterprise earned 20 battle stars, making it the most decorated U.S. naval ship of World War II. While on Enterprise, Bill rose in rank from Yeoman to Chief Petty Officer (in an amazing 3 years), as well as receiving many Navy awards. He grieved over the loss of hundreds of shipmates during the war and one in particular, Max T. Lee, who was responsible for setting Bill on a path towards knowing Jesus Christ as Saviour.
He was preceded in death by his soulmate (wife of 64 years), Opal Hardister Norberg. He is survived by three children, Jack (Debra), Gary (Stephanie), and Janice (Roland); 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; plus countless friends around the world.
How can we honor a man like this? By passing his legacy on to future generations.
Bill's services will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Bethel Church in Cornelius, NC. Family will receive friends from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM and the funeral will be at 1:00 PM. The interment will follow after the funeral at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to Hillsdale College Scholarship Fund at https://secured.hillsdale.edu/hillsdale/support-hillsdale-college?_gl=1*1r7daul*_ga*MTY1OTgxMTk2NC4xNjg3Mjg4ODQy*_ga_FBJP6CFLDM*MTY4NzI4ODg0Mi4xLjAuMTY4NzI4ODg0My41OS4wLjA.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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