Stanley Norstebon

We would like to let family and friends know of the passing of our dad, Stanley Norstebon, December 2025.

Please join us February 16,2026, at The American Legion, 515 East 2nd South, Mountain Home ID from noon – 3PM with celebrating Stanley’s life.

Stanley was born in May 1933, he was the seventh of nine children born to Martin and Emma Norstebon, Norwegian immigrants who built a life farming in Roseau County, Minnesota. Stanley’s childhood in northern Minnesota was shaped by hard work, ingenuity, and plenty of sibling and neighboring farm kid involved mischief. From chopping wood and pumping water at a one-room schoolhouse to surviving snowstorms and farm mishaps, those early years forged his resilience and humor.

Their mortgage banker who flew a plane to farms to collect farm payments sparked Stanley’s lifelong love of aviation. To complete high school, he moved to Roseau, Minnesota, living with another family while finishing his education.

In the early 1950s, Martin and Emma with family moved near Perham, Minnesota, where Stanley met Mildred Rennpage. Their first meeting led to a lifelong partnership. Stanley joined the U.S. Air Force, and the two exchanged letters during his training. They married in 1954 while he was on leave.

Stanley served honorably in the Air Force for over 20 years, retiring in 1973 as a Master Sergeant. His roles included Maintenance Inspection Team Chief, Flight Chief, and Instructor of Aircraft Maintenance Systems. His service earned numerous awards, including the Vietnam Service Medal and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. While stationed in Norway, he was recognized for his conduct and even served as chauffeur and interpreter for Vice President Lyndon Johnson. He later served in Vietnam with Top Secret clearance, a detail he spoke little of until last year of life.

Following military retirement, Stanley earned his private pilot’s license, purchased a Cessna, and flew Idaho’s backcountry airstrips. After earning his Airframe and Powerplant Inspector’s license he started working for the Bureau of Land Management, flying frequently between Idaho and Alaska. He and Mildred built a home and farming operation near Mountain Home, Idaho, raising cattle, horses, hay, and grain.

Their beloved Canyon Creek property became a place of adventure, imagination, and lasting memories for grandchildren. Stanley was a devoted husband, especially during Mildred’s long battle with cancer, driving tirelessly to treatments and supporting her unwavering determination.

Raised Lutheran, Stanley later attended the Methodist church with his family, always valuing personal choice and faith.

Stanley is survived by his children Bob (Joy), Jim (Lou), Mary (Bob, not the brother Bob), and Anita (Howard); seven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was the last surviving member of the Martin and Emma Norstebon family.

With humor, strength, and quiet devotion, Stanley Norstebon lived fully through nearly a century of change. 1933–2025. Rest in peace.

If you have a few moments please read Stanley summary bio included with Facebook, URL.

He did a lot!

In lieu of flowers we suggest donations be sent to Idaho Heritage Trust, Project: Canyon Creek Stage Station https://www.idahoheritagetrust.org/donations/