Landess Lee (Lanny) Norstrom, 77, passed away at 4:45 p.m. on October 5, 2024, in the presence of family members after an eight month battle with the effects of a stroke suffered in February of that year. Lanny was born to Landess L. and Leona Nerine (Milleson) Norstrom on January 3, 1947. He was the New Year's baby in McPherson, Kansas, having been born in McPherson Hospital.
Lanny spent his initial years on the family farm outside of Roxbury, Kansas. The family moved from the farm to the house that he grew up in on Walnut St. in Canton, Kansas. Lanny attended the Canton Schools, being active in the sports of football, basketball, and track and also participating in the band, playing the trombone. He graduated from Canton High School in 1965, receiving his diploma from his father who was a member of the Board of Education.
Lanny began his post-secondary education at McPherson College, attending for a year before deciding to take some time to explore what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. It was during this time that he went to work for the Hesston Corporation as a mechanic working on hay harvesting equipment in Arizona and California.
It was in the next year or two that he decided to continue his education in business, attending Washburn University in Topeka. It was here that he became engaged to his life-long love, Pam Lindberg. They began their life together while Lanny was still attending classes at Washburn. It was when they learned that their first born, Michael, was on the way that Lanny decided it was time to go back to work, getting a job in the offices of the Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka.
Both sons, Michael and Eric, were born in Topeka. Pam and Lanny were members of the Westside Christian Church in Topeka, serving as youth leaders. Many of the friendships formed there continue today. Pam and Lanny celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 20, 2019, being virtually inseparable over the years.
The decision was made to move back to rural Galva in 1974 to help with the Lindberg family farm. It was at this time that they moved to the Lindberg homestead five miles north of Galva, and raised their two sons, and spent the remainder of their lives. One of the few dark moments in their time together came on June 15, 1992, when the farm was visited by an F5 tornado. It was ¾ of a mile wide when it came by, leaving little behind. Thankfully, no one was injured, and they began the process of rebuilding “Gone With The Wind Estates”, as they appropriately now call the property.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Lanny who has always been involved with the schools, became a member of the Board of Education for 12 years, with a good chunk of that time serving as the president of the board. He handed both son’s their high school diplomas. Even after leaving the formal position on the board, Lanny was an ever present fan, whether his grandkids were involved in the activity or not. Many times, he would arrive at an event, home or away, so early that he would need to return from the stands to purchase a ticket once the ticket takers arrived.
Pam and Lanny joined the Galva Christian Church upon moving back to central Kansas. Lanny held many positions in the church, including president of the board, elder, and was recently honored with the title of elder emeritus. He was also very involved with the state men’s group for the Christian Church in Kansas, and with the establishment and improvement of Camp Tawakoni.
Upon their return to Galva, Lanny began working for the Home Telephone Company on April 1, 1975, and retired on December 31, 2009, after 39 and a half years. He proudly put a personalized license plate on his vehicle, “FONEMAN”, for all to see. Upon retiring from the phone office, he and Pam worked for several years with the rural water district. Lanny performed the maintenance on the system while Pam kept the books.
Lanny cherished every moment spent with all of his grandkids, following them to sporting events, scouting events, community events, or whatever they chose to be involved in. It didn’t matter what the activity was, Lanny and Pam were all in with their support.
Another low spot in Lanny and Pam’s life together came in the summer of 2017 when Pam received a diagnosis of gallbladder cancer. While Pam was ever positive in her battle with the disease, she was quick to mention that Lanny was always there as her guardian angel. He accompanied her to her many obligations as the state president of the Christian Women in Kansas. Wherever she was, you didn’t need to look far to see Lanny. He was a constant in her three year battle, losing her in February, 2020.
Lanny was preceded in death by his wife, Pam; and his parents, Landess and Nerine.
He leaves behind: two sons, Mike and wife Karla, and Eric and wife Treva; four grandchildren, Zach (Mike’s) and wife Oliva, Drew (Mike’s) and wife Jaime, Taryn (Eric’s) and husband Brandon, and Ryder (Eric’s). Extended family members and friends are too many to mention, as Lanny never met a stranger.
The family wants to thank the many who have stopped by to visit dad over these last several months, for the lifelong friendships, the many prayers, thoughts and well wishes that have been sent, and for all the love that you have provided. Please hear dad’s patent response, “Love Ya’ Back!”
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday October 25, at Galva Christian Church. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 26, with a meal to follow, all at the church.