Fred A. Norstadt

Fred A. Norstadt, 88, of Fort Collins, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 10, 2015. Fred was born March 15, 1926 in Sidney, Iowa to James and Clara (Carman) Norstadt. He was raised on a farm near Riverton, Iowa and graduated Riverton High School in 1944.

After serving in the Navy from 1944 to 1946 as a ship electronics technician, Fred attended the Montana School of Mines for one year, and then transferred to Peru State Teacher’s College in Peru, Nebraska, graduating in 1950. It was there he met his wife of 56 years, Rozellen. Fred taught High School math and science in Concord, NE, Arnold, NE, and North Platte, Nebraska. He also was a teacher for the University of Nebraska’s Extension Division while attending the Lincoln campus for graduate studies. He received his Master of Science degree in 1958 and his Ph.D. in 1966 in soil chemistry and microbiology.

Fred served as a research soils scientist for the USDA Agricultural Research Service for 29 years in Grand Junction, CO and Fort Collins, CO before retiring in 1988. He was a Fellow of the Soil Conservation Society of America, being a very active member of that organization. Fred was also a long time member, Deacon, and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins.

Fred was an expert gardener and was known for his backyard being dedicated to raising beautiful flowers and abundant produce. He also loved playing pinochle weekly with good friends. Fred was a great lover of music, particularly blues and ragtime, spending hours listening to the finest musicians of these genres. He will be remembered for his breadth of knowledge in all sciences and for a sharp, creative mind. He was a person of great energy and sense of humor. His life was marked by strong faith in God and he leaves behind a legacy of Christian faith in his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather faithfully serving his family, friends, and church. Fred will be dearly missed.

Fred is survived by his daughter, Bethan (Jim) Kidd and son Lynn (Carol) Norstadt. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Laurel Kidd (George Griffith), and Joanna Kidd.

A memorial service will be held on May 30, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church at 531 South College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524.