Harriet Cleone (Aspenson) Norland passed away surrounded by her family in Richmond, Kent., on Dec. 16, 2019.
Harriet was born on July 25, 1919, in Forest City, Iowa, to Clara (Josvanger) and Oscar Aspenson, Sr.
Her life spanned 100 years and her journey took her from rural Iowa to Kansas and back to Cresco, Iowa, with her beloved husband Marvin Norland ‘43. Harriet was devoted to family, teaching and the church. She treasured her former students and corresponding with friends and relatives. Harriet leaves an enduring legacy through her family and many students whose lives she positively affected during the course of her teaching career. She moved to Richmond, Kent., in 2018 to be close to her daughter, Marcia.
Harriet graduated from Forest City High School and then she matriculated to Luther College where was among the first females to attend. She also played clarinet in the Luther band.
Harriet and Marvin were married in 1941 and the Luther College president performed the ceremony.
Harriet was a teacher in several locations across Iowa starting with Frankville, Rossie, Ridgeway, Cresco, North Winneshiek and also in Harmony, Minn. Throughout her career Harriet taught speech and debate. She directed plays and operas, coached girls basketball and softball and was an assistant librarian and a substitute teacher.
She belonged to several civic groups and also functioned as an administrative assistant for her husband’s business.
Harriet is survived by her children Marcia (Norland) MacLaren ‘65 (Bruce MacLaren ‘65) and Stephen Norland ‘69 (Susan (Morrison) Norland ‘69), her grandchildren John MacLaren ‘89 (Mary Ann), Heather MacLaren, Emily Hetherington (Craig), Anna Norland, Benjamin Norland (Courtney) and her great-grandchildren Millicent and Cyrus, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Norland ‘43, her beloved parents, brothers Donald and Oscar Aspenson and sister Corolla Lennon.
The family suggests that memorials be sent to: First Lutheran Church, Cresco, Iowa.