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Norman H. Wallace, age 80 of Chisago City, passed away June 13, 2010.

Norman was born November 14, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. An only child, his parents were divorced when he was nine years old. Norman was raised by his mother Lillian in a six unit flat in Chicago, south of Edwater Beach Hotel where he lived for 40 years. He graduated from English Private School and went on to earn a business degree. He had various odd jobs over the years but making cosmetics, that were sold by his mother, was mainly his employment. The family had a summer place in Chisago City across from Mattson Lake. His aunt Helen Danielson held title to 120 acres of flat land. He spent three months a year there. In 1979, Norman, his mother and two aunts took permanent residence at that farm. His two aunts passed on and Norman's mother died in 1995, at age 90, leaving Norman alone. He rented out land to get enough money to pay his taxes. With no vehicle he rode to Chisago City all the time, about two miles, by bike. Many remember seeing Norman riding his bike to town and back. In the winter he walked and all the folks in Chisago City were his friends. People would offer Norman rides in harsh winter weather and fruits and vegetables from gardens. Norman liked to garden, raise honey bees, bike riding and history of all kinds. At one time, he won some archery medals.

Norman would always open car doors and other doors for women, and in a gentleman's way, nod his head as he tipped his hat. At this point in time, he had no running water on the farm, so he would go across the street to Steve and Christine Bratrud's and carry water to his house. His best friend was a black Lab. Blackie found Norman riding his bike and from then on the two became friends. Blackie never left Norman's side. The hardest day in Norman's life was when Blackie had to be put to sleep.

Over the years Norman struggled with non Hodgkins Lymphoma. In 1998, Norman rode his bike to Kenny Straka's house behind the dollar store to spend the weekend. He had his own room, food, friendship, hot shower and this is when the entire Straka family adopted a wonderful man, or maybe he adopted them. Going to gatherings with the Straka family, meant a social life he never had before. Norman Herbert Wallace was no longer alone! His words were "This is paradise" as he looked to the heavens. He loved parties of any kind. Norman was a genius, we loved his stories. He knew Latin and everything about history.

July 2003, he was told he had to leave the farm and the land would be sold and the farm house was to be burned. He and Blackie moved in to live at Kenny's. He was very unhappy! In October 2008, Norman had a stroke and was a resident at Parmly until his passing. Everyone at Parmly loved and cared for Norman. If you knew Norman, you were impressed by the gentle tall man, with beautiful blue eyes. Now that you are gone from earth, Norman, you have truly found PARADISE!!!

He is preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles and dog Blackie.

He is survived by Aunt Elaine, Mexico and cousin Dawn Carver, San Francisco and the entire Straka Family.

Funeral Services were held Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City.

Interment at Oak Park Cemetery in Forest Lake

Arrangements by the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom

Condolences may be left at www.grandstrandfh.com.

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