Edmund A. Norley

Edmund A. Norley, 93, a longtime Soap Lake, Wash. resident passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata, Wash.

He was born July 8, 1917 in Duluth, Minn. to William Norley and Mary Rommustad of Norway.

Ed graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1937.

On Aug. 2, 1941 he married Dorthy D. Thompson of Walsh County, North Dakota. They were married for 56 years until Dorthy's death, April 22, 1997.

They moved to Soap Lake in 1949 and Ed partnered with his brother-in-law, Arnie Wetzel, forming Norley & Wetzel Appliance. They ran that business for many years before Ed began his own business, Norley's Refrigeration, which he ran until his retirement.

Ed was an avid fisherman, taking and teaching several local residents to fish. He and Dorthy spent countless hours together fishing the waters of Grant County. He was also an expert carver, making many beautiful carvings and winning several blue ribbons at large carving shows.

Ed was a great husband, father, friend and fishing partner, and will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorthy; sons, Eugene and Daniel; three brothers and three sisters.

Ed is survived by his family, David and Elaine Norley of Boulder City, Nevada; Jeff Norley of Soap Lake; Chris Norley of Quincy, Wash.; Jon Norley of Mountlake Terrace, Wash.; and Kyle and Jessica Norley of Sedro Woolley, Wash.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 19 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1012 C St. SW in Ephrata. Following the service, a reception celebrating his life will be held at Don's Restaurant Banquet Room in Soap Lake.