Norton G. Saude, age 91 of Crystal, formerly of Champlin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Centennial Gardens Care Center in Crystal, where he had lived for three years.

Norton was born on a farm near Barton, North Dakota.  Although a university graduate and resident in major centers and world traveler, Barton was always home.  Norton graduated from Barton High School and then the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.  After one year of university, Norton entered the U.S. Navy, wherein he served two years and eleven months as an ordinanceman on PBY aircraft in the Pacific.  Returning to university, Norton changed his major from chemistry to engineering, graduating as an electrical engineer.  Norton's first job was with Mueller Climatrol, Milwaukee.  He then worked for Minneapolis Honeywell with heating and air conditioning controls.  Norton would wow guests with prototypes of electronic dust cleaners, zapping cigarette ashes after a party.  Later work would take Norton to Europe and Japan, researching early solar energy opportunities.  Norton left Honeywell to try his hand at two engineering companies of his own.

Norton married Ardis Everson in 1948.  They enjoyed 47 years together, establishing two homes in Milwaukee and three homes in Richfield and Edina. They raised three children; David, Rebecca and Jon, supporting them in all the school, arts, and sports activities and family vacations that parents do.  Community life was very important for them both.  Dad was very active in the Lutheran church, Toastmasters, and the Sons of Norway.  Norton tried golfing and fishing, but he was most happy when he could putter around the house and in the yard.  After Ardis passed away, Norton married Jeannette Johnson.  They were able to enjoy some of their later years travelling to Arizona, before Jean also succumbed to ill health.

Norton, or Nortie, as his friends called him, was ever the outgoing, sometimes teasing, and playful one.  Even in his last months he was appreciated for his gentle smile, sparkling eyes, and playful manner.  Thank you to his community and care-givers at Champlin Shores and the Centennial Gardens.

Norton's parents were Clara (Fluevog) and Bird Saude. His sisters were Bessie, Adella, and Florence; brothers, Victor and Jason.  Norton has seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 22 , 2018 at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay Street NW, Andover.  Visitation one hour prior to the service (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)  Interment with Full Military Honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lutheran World Relief or Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home of Andover (763) 767-7373