David Noren

Dave was born in Chicago on April, 24, 1949, the elder son of Gustav Albert and Adelle M. Noren. He graduated from Esmond School in 1963 and Morgan Park High School in 1967. He attended the University of Illinois at Champaign / Urbana, Chicago City Colleges, Columbia College and was about halfway through the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry at North Park Theological Seminary when declining health caused him to drop out. 

Dave held a variety of interesting jobs during his life: assembling telescopes for Hobbycraft Company, serving as a guard at the Field Museum, Andy Frain Usher, WLS-TV in Chicago, Utility and Horder’s Office Supply, briefly worked undercover for the Chicago Police Department, and finally Chicago Stationers, where he was a salesman. When multiple sclerosis made it impossible for him to work, he nevertheless did volunteer work through Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

In his free time, Dave loved being involved in theater. He had lead roles in several high school plays, and then got involved in Showcase Community Theater in Blue Island.He was also an avid Thunderbolts and White Sox fan and organized fantasy baseball leagues. He and Dennis Carlson planned a number of high school class reunions. In the last year or so he and Dave hosted “pizza and bad movie night’ at his house on a regular basis.

Dave married Edith “Dee” Ullstam in 1979. They had two children, Eric (Ami) and Mary. The marriage ended in divorce in 1995. Dave is also survived by this brother and sister, Andrew and Carol Noren, his grandchildren Dylan and Samantha Noren, his aunt and uncle, Carol and Carl DeVries, and other extended family.

Trinity was also a significant part of Dave’s extended family. Dave loved the church and freely shared his many gifts in the community of faith. Over the years Dave taught Sunday School, headed the Deacon Board, chaired Covenant Men, was co-chair of the congregation, did after-school tutoring, nursing home visitation, wrote a regular column for the newsletter and read the Scriptures every Sunday that he was well enough to be in worship. His deep faith, sense of humor and optimistic spirit were a blessing and encouragement to everyone.

Reading this bio helped me to know Dave a bit better. I only knew Dave for a few years. It helped me to be inspired to get back to volunteering as I did before my children were born. Thanks, Dave, you are still helping others.....me, for one.

Julie Marschand

Memorial Service for our Friend Dave Noren

Today's Memorial Service for our friend and fellow grad Dave Noren was the perfect mixture of a traditional religious service and that of an informal celebration of his life. 


There were three poignant scriptures that were read which all related to Dave's life, both physical and spiritual. There were a few familiar hymns that rounded out an excellent service that was officiated by three inisters; each having different things to say about Dave. 

But, Pastor James Sandburg, of Dave's home church, really hit the mark  about Dave's life during Rev. Sandburg's "message". Filled with some great  Dave Noren stories including typical Noren-isque anecdotes, he really touched our hearts and reminded us of Dave's courage and his unrelenting positive attitude towards life in general and in his battling the dreaded MS for these past 15 years. All-in-all, this was a very moving, thought provoking and comfortable service; I really felt at ease at the end of this service and a lot of the pain and sorrow that I brought in with me had been replaced with a inner calm and peace.

Then, after the service part, a luncheon was provided in the church and I could just envision Dave's smile and glee in his eyes when he would have surveyed the scrumptious Swedish smorgasbord. He loved to eat and would get excited about food. This buffet contained two types of herring, boiled shrimp, Swedish meatballs, Swedish cheese (bond ost), Swedish summer sausage, Swedish Limpa bread, potato salad as well as other items; not to mention the cakes, cookies & sweets. What a great celebration for a truly wonderful person. 

And, EMPEHI was well represented with at least 12 of us who stayed for the luncheon and another 4 who could not stay after the service. During the luncheon, a few of us talked and agreed to continue the tradition of The Beggar's Pizza get-together's that Dave started back in 2002. So, look on this web site for a posting in the next couple weeks. We're thinking of having the first one on a Saturday, like around 3 or 4 o'clock.

I'm sure Dave, who really didn't like to be fussed-over or catered to, would have liked this Memorial Service from start to finish. It was not maudlin or sad, but uplifting and cheerful. It began a little after 11:00 AM and ended slightly after 2:00 PM and was a perfect and a fitting tribute to a guy who truly was courageous and inspirational. This was one of the finest individuals I have ever known.

Good-bye ole buddy; the void created by your departure will be impossible to replace. But, we have all those wonderful memories and numerous lessons about living your life to the max with which you have provided us. Thanks for being such a great friend.

Dennis Carlson

David Noren 2007 Photo by Randy Lam

David A. Noren, age 61; dear father of Eric (Ami) and Mary Noren; loving grandfather of Dylan and Samantha Noren; dear brother of Andrew (Ret. C.P.D.) and Carol Noren; fond nephew of Carol (Carl) De Vries and Margaret (the late Allan) Carlson. Memorial Service Saturday, 11 a.m. at Trinity Covenant Church, 9230 S. Pulaski, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. In lieu of flowers, donations to the church, or Multiple Sclerosis Society, 910 W. Van Buren, Chicago, IL 60607, appreciated. Arrangements by Beverly Ridge Funeral Home 773-779-4411.

Published in Chicago Tribune on August 26, 2010

Guest Book

The Legacy.com Guest Book on Chicago Tribune for DAVID A. NOREN has received one or more new entries or photo album submissions.  Visit the Guest Book.
This Guest Book will remain online until 8/26/2011.  You may Sponsor the Guest Book for a longer period or purchase a professionally printed and bound version as a gift or personal keepsake.  More ways to Honor and Remember: Send Sympathy Flowers Flowers are a time-honored way to express condolences. Purchase a Printed Guest Book Order a professionally printed and bound keepsake. Create a Memorial Website Create a lasting legacy with a memorial website. If you have any questions, please contact us. Thank you, Legacy.com

Memorial Service

I am sorry to inform you that Dave died suddenly on Sunday, August 22, 2010. 


Dave now sees his Savior face to face, and in that we take comfort. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 -18.

Carol Noren

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Hi everybody,

I have information regarding the Memorial Service to be given in celebration of Dave Noren's life.

Date and time: Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 11:00 AM

Place: Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church 

9230 South Pulaski

Oak Lawn, IL 60453

708-422-5111

The Reverend James Sandburg, officiating

For those of you who attended the 2003 and 2007 EMPEHI Reunions, this church is the location where we had our Sunday church service, at which Dave delivered the sermon and where the "Worst of Hurst Singers" performed Thompson's Alleluia.

Hope to see as many of you that can make it, as we pay respect and say good-bye to our good friend and re-live some of those magical Dave Noren moments.

Dennis Carlson, class of ' 67




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Dave's death notice was in the Chicago Tribune today. You can view it on-line if you are interested. It says that in lieu of flowers donations to the church or the Multiple Sclerosis Sociey, 910 W. Van Buren, Chicago, IL 60607 would be appreciated.

You can sign the Guestbook at 

chicagotribune.com/obituaries.

Carol (Post) Raines '67

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Just returned home today and opened the computer..I am so sorry there is no time to book a flight to Chicago for tomorrow.  I want to be present with all of you who will gather to honor Dave Noren, our very special classmate.  My heart and love are with you all, most especially to Carol Noren, to you, Dennis, and Dave's closest friends and classmates of '67.  

Marie Stazzone

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"They that wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength
They shall mount up with wings as eagles
They shall run and not grow weary
They shall walk and shall not faint"  
(Isaiah 40:31

I know Dave is now running, walking and soaring high, but I sure will miss him at our next reunion!

Marie  
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Dave's death notice was in the Chicago Tribune today. You can view it on-line if you are interested. It says that in lieu of flowers donations to the church or the Multiple Sclerosis Sociey, 910 W. Van Buren, Chicago, IL 60607 would be appreciated.

You can sign the Guestbook at  chicagotribune.com/obituaries.

Carol (Post) Raines '67

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Several Memorial Services I've attended in the recent past have had moments where the attendees are offered a moment to rise and speak about the departed. If I were able to do so tomorrow I would say:

Dave was a courageous, loyal servant. Courage in the face of a disease that certainly left him very uncomfortable often, but how many of us ever heard him utter one word of complaint or anger at it. Loyalty is evident by the number of people here today. Dave was a loyal friend that stuck with you once you were his friend. If you made just a slight effort to keep the friendship, he would do the rest and be loyal to it. He was a servent of others and anyone who needed him. He clearly cared about the well-being of us more than self.

Now Dave gets to serve his God for eternity with the same loyalty and courage that he so boldly and easily professed his Faith in his Lord Jesus Christ. We should be happy for Dave and say "Enjoy your eternity in paradise. Well done good and faithful servant".

Jim Dart

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Well said, Jim. I am sure we would all agree with what you said about Dave. He will be missed!

Anita Price

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Your testimony of Dave's earthly accomplishments is touching. As I read what you  wrote, I thought how wonderful it is that when we come to end of this earthly journey those persons whose lives we have touch can testify how we made a positive impact. I believe the words to a hymn of the church expresses it best,

 
"Only What We Do for Christ (humanity) Will Last"! God Bless You for these
inspirational words.
Kay ("65")

Kay F. Ward McDuffie, Ed. D 
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I remember Dave, in one of his stand-up comedy soliloquys,  once remarking that of all the diseases he could have been afflicted with, he was grateful that God had given him MS - since 80% of MS patients were women and it gave him an abundant advantageous!   So like him - able to find humor in nearly every circumstance. 

Marie Stazzone

While I never knew David as well as many others here, my lasting impression of Dave is that he always loved life. His smile reflected it.

Sue Engle B

 A recent mini-reunion in April of 2010.

The people in the picture beginning in the left corner, all you see of Joan Pettavino is her hair (ha!), then Joyce, Dennis Carlson, Dave Noren, Marie Buti, Marlene Walko, Judy Riley, LinLou Scalia. Much Thanks, Julie Marschand ___ Dave was the nicest combination of endearing traits. He was wicked funny, thoughtful and a true friend. The thing I think I will miss most here on the Yahoo site is Dave's near perfect memory of names and places from our youth. The thing I will miss most in my personal perspective is Dave's abiding faith. He LIVED his beliefs. Dave Noren stood for something, even though he lived much of his life in a wheelchair. He was a strong man in spite of his body's frailties. Dennis, my deep sympathy to you on the loss of your lifelong friend. Know that we are all thinking of the gift you gave to Dave every day and praying that your grief will be eased day by day by the very same God that Dave humbled himself before. Dave will be present at every gathering of any number of this group. He is simply unforgettable. Judy Halligan Willingham '66 ___ Dave Noren who passed away last Sunday was the epitome of strength, courage and integrity. I know no better man. He is now beyond his suffering, thank God. Rock On Brother. Richard Black ___ Dave and I worked on the Empehi News together for several years. Many years later at the reunions, I found him to be the same funny, kind, very bright person he was as a kid. At some point, when I found out that he had MS, I was heart sick. I know very well the challenges of living with MS. My mom had it and was in bed for 16 years before she died. My husband's brother-in-law has it. It is a very difficult, unending disease to live with. And yet, it didn't change Dave. For this constancy of personality, I greatly admired him. It takes a great deal of effort to keep the best parts of yourself intact, when your neurological system is under assault every minute of every day. He had great strength and courage. I enjoyed his posts on this site and looked forward to seeing him again. So now, in a year, I have lost a man I had dated, Paul Somerman, and a man I had worked with, Dave. It makes you think. The memories of them as teenagers remain vivid in my mind. I never dreamed that they would be gone so soon. Ginny Michet Scanlan __ How saddened I was to hear of the recent death of our classmate and good friend to so many.  Dave was a fun, witty, and sharp individual.  Dennis Carlson, sympathy to you especially, since you and Dave were special friends. I still remember from the 2003 reunion when we went to the church service on Sunday Dave's special remarks to us.  He said, "  Life is for living forward "! How right he was.  While we remember and mourn his passing we must keep going "forward" and live our lives to the best of our ability.   Charlie Van Liere __ I was not prepared to hear the news of Dave's passing on Monday morning through Dennis' email to us. It was a shock to me to realize that Dave was no longer with us. But... he is in heaven .... and with that new "heavenly body" ...that will never know disease ...again ...EVER.... Am so glad I went to those pizza parties at Beggar's to enjoy Dave's laughter, the wit, and the knowledge he had from politics to D.J.'s and our music....and being a great friend to us all. He was an inspiration to me....to us all.... I learned alot from Dave as we all did. I will miss Dave...lots... Linda Larson Scalia Crown Point..... ___ Dave, I thank God for your presence of friendship and camaraderie in life and livng with MS. Your sense of humor, courage and determination has left an lasting impression on me. I will miss you tremendously.  Blessings - Rest now from your labors and receive your heavenly reward. Cheryl L. Green ___ I love you Daddy Mary Creston ___ R.I.P, Dave. You were a good man, and you improved with age under some very diffficult circumstances. John Wason __ R.I.P, Dave. Your courage, humor and zest for life despite all of its trials and tribulations was an inspiration to us all. We will remember you always, with love and respect. Shelley Vahl Balicki  ___ Carol, Dave will be missed by a lot of people from Morgan Park. I'm confident that he is now resting peacefully. My sincere condolences to you and the rest of his family. Marilyn Smithson Losik __ I am truly sorry for your loss. My prayers will be with you and your family. Marianne Gerwig __  So sorry for your loss. He was our leader at our  M.S. Group. RIP Dave. We will all miss you. Shirley Zacek

David Noren

David on June 18, 2010 at Beggers Pizza at one of the many MPHS Alum events he loved to organize and attend

David Noren Passed Away Suddenly

He was a fine man, and our classmate from Morgan Park High School, and will be missed. Karen Holck Ketterman is in the photo with David, our dear friend.

We will post info regarding services as it becomes available. You will be missed, Dave! 


Rest in Peace.

Julie Marschand

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I am sorry to have to convey this message to you all, but our friend and fellow EMPEHI-ite, Dave Noren, has passed away, suddenly sometime today. Oh my goodness, what a shocker!! There aren't any details as yet. I'll pass along any news and updates when I receive them.

I wish there was more information that I could provide, other than I am sure going to miss him; his sense of humor, his wit, his cleverness, his astuteness when it came to politics & history, his smile and laughter; our "bad movie nights" and yes, our Beggar's Pizza gatherings; and so much, much more. You know, I never heard him once complain about his battling MS; oh, he would say he had this to do and that to do, but always in a positive manner. He never looked back, but always what tomorrows would bring. He was just a tremendous person filled with so much energy and life. We sure had a lot of great times together and on this past Friday, we were just talking about when the next "movie night and Beggar's get-together" should be.

Rest in peace old friend and I know you are in a better place, but the loss of your physical presence sure does hurt.

Dennis Carlson, class of ' 67.
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Dennis,

I did not know Dave but over the years on the Reunion site I feel that I have gotten to know both of you and have enjoyed your posts. What I always will remember are the YouTubes that he shared of his daughter's singing group and the talent that she has. He had to be so proud. Sorry for your lost of a great friend and many memories.

My best,

Ron Veenstra
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Beautifully put, Dennis, and I concur. Dave was a very special man and we are all richer for having known him. In fact, we are all here together on the Yahoo Empehi list because we knew him, and because he recognized the importance of our classmates continuing to interact as we aged. He was a moderator of this list since it was begun on February 9, 2002.

RIP poolmstr4@aol.com

Taffy Cannon, June '66

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David Noren has passed today. We will always remember how brave he was, and most of all his wit. He was a true friend. and all of us from Morgan Park will greatly miss him. I’m sure all of us have great memories of Dave.

Karen Holck Ketterman

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Dear Dave,

Gone are the days we used to share,

But in our hearts you are always there,

The gates of memory will never close,

We miss you more than anyone knows,

With tender love and deep regret,

We who love you will never forget.

God is who your with....

No more worries, no more pain,


No more any strength restrained.


You are with Him but we sense you near.


No one to replace the Dave we held dear.


We're going on without you,


But we shall be strong,


Like you were Dave,


All the year long.


Until we meet again, Dave,


In His Love, Julie

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My condolences to Dave Noren's family and close friends.

Alan Engelberg

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Well, Dennis, I was hoping that the subject line of your email was not to tell us of Dave's passing, but alas, my hopes were dashed. My heart goes out to you, my friend, because the suddenness of it expands the sense of loss as you most assuredly would have wanted to say goodbye.

I look at Dave's passing, just as I did my friend who passed away, as a gift to him from God, because certainly Dave deserved to "simply pass away", peacefully and in his own home, instead of laying in a hospital or nursing home with tubes and needles and whatever else might have been brought his way. And the greatest gift we can possibly give to him is to continue to talk about him with a smile on our face and lots and lots of laughter, which is how I saw Dave to be full of life and the simple joy of being here with us for as long as he was.

As I wrote in a poem years ago -

For when he came to be

There was no guarantee

Of the number of years he would stay.

So, if the love that you shared

Showed you he always cared

Then you are blessed forever and a day. 

Gee, I wonder who came to gather him up and "walk him" to heaven? When my father was laying in a hospital bed in his home, my mother heard him mumbling (he was in dementia) and went to ask him if he needed anything. He turned to her and said, "Fay is calling me", and then he passed away. My mother asked if knew who Fay was, and I did, of course. She was my Aunt Phyl's Aunt Fay, who had passed away about 5 yrs. before, and she just LOVED my Dad. So, you see, God sent Aunt Fay to "bring Dad home", and I have every reason to believe that perhaps they who loved him and preceded Dave in death were standing in line.

God speed, Dave, and we already know that you are "hearing" us all talk about you via this wonderful gift that you have left behind for us to share. You WILL BE planning the Beggars pizza parties for us all as we each arrive.

______


Oh my God! What a shocker! I always enjoyed Dave's post to this forum! I will keep his family in my prayers. Yes, he is in a better place, even though none of us appear to in a hurry to leave this side of Heaven!

Kay (January "65")
Kay F. Ward McDuffie, Ed. D

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David was a fine man. We appreciate his civility and courage. And we thank him for his leadership in getting our MPHS classes connected again after many years.

We have set up a blog for remembrances and photos about David. Please send them to me and I will post. And I took some of the Facebook and Yahoo list comments and put them on the blog - please send any corrections or additions.
http://davidnoren.blogspot.com/

craighullinger@gmail.com