Chapter 8
Biographical Notes
Page 1 of 1

Young Norman Arvidson astride his horse on the family farm near Parkers Prairie, Minnesota

Norman was born November 11, 1917 in Parkers Prairie, MN to the late Hans and Sophia (Anderson) Arvidson. He grew up in Parkers Prairie. He attended school in Deer Creek, MN graduating from Deer Creek High School with the class of 1936. Following his schooling, Norm worked for the Cargill Grain Company in Minneapolis from 1937 to 1942. In 1942 he enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet. Successfully completing pilot training, he graduated in class 43-E in May of 1943. From 1943 to mid-1945, at the pilot of a C-47 Dakota transport plane, he was deeply involved in flying missions in direct support of the Allied war effort.

His was one of the first planes to cross the English Channel in the darkness of D-Day morning to drop paratroops behind enemy lines and, later in the same day, participated in the glider towing missions to get our troops on the ground where they could engage the German defenders. He was honorably discharged on October 27, 1945. While in the military, Norm was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, American Victory Ribbon and the European Victory Ribbon with seven Bronze Battle Stars.

Norman and Shirley were married on June 6, 1946 at the United Methodist Church of Little Falls, Minnesota	On June 8, 1946 he was united in marriage to Shirley Jane Farrow at the United Methodist Church in Little Falls. Following their marriage Norman and Shirley lived in Minneapolis. In 1947, the couple moved to Little Falls where Norm owned and operated the Farrow & Swanson-Oldsmobile, Pontiac & GMC Auto Dealership. He sold the dealership in 1972. From 1974 to 2000 Norm was involved in property management in the St. Cloud area. He was a member of First United Church, Little Falls Lions Club since 1952 and a life member of the Little Falls American Legion Post #46. He was a former member of the Ester Lutheran Church in Parker's Prairie. Norman, 84 year old resident of Little Falls, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at St. Gabriella's Hospital. Internment was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls. Military Rites were conducted by the Little Falls American Legion Post #46. Norman is survived by his wife, Shirley Arvidson; sons, Clay D. Arvidson and his wife Linda of Victoria MN and Ross A. Arvidson and wife, Kimberly, of Loveland, CO; daughter, Claire Beth Blajsczak and husband, Rick, of Cleveland, OH; grandchildren Beth, Eric and Joshua Arvidson, Adriene, Jim and David Feske. He was preceded in death by his parents, 8 brothers and sisters.
At home in their first house in Minneapolis.
The Arvidson Children celebrating Christmas.

Editor’s Note

From all of us who have known, loved, respected and benefited from
your gifts of service, friendship and care — peace be with you
Norm and all whom you have loved in life. Also, peace be
with all of your comrades in arms who served with you
so gallantly to regain and preserve
the freedoms we all cherish.

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