December 16, 1962 – August 11, 2025
Norman Nels Vorland, 62, of Clear Lake, died Monday, August 11, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave North, Clear Lake, Iowa.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 North 4th Street, Clear Lake, with Lay Pastor Al Berge officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in care of the family, that will honor Norman with a memorial bench, to be placed at his favorite lakeview spot!
Norman Nels Vorland was born December 16, 1962, in Mason City, the son of Edmund and Alice (Jensen) Vorland. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in the Class of 1981.
After graduation, Norman began working as a mechanic at John Deere Implement. He also worked for his brother-in-law, Charlie, helping on the farm. Later he worked at Mason City Ice and Armour Packing Plant, in the maintenance department. His last job was at Serta in Clear Lake, where he served as maintenance supervisor until December 23, 2008. On that day, while driving to work, Norman hit a patch of black ice, rolled his truck, and suffered a broken neck, resulting in quadriplegia.
Before his accident, Norman enjoyed camping, fishing, and canoe trips. He loved animals—cows, cats, dogs, and his special llamas. He had a passion for motorcycles, especially his 1959 Harley Sportster.
After his injury, Norman still found joy in life, especially in visiting with people. He enjoyed watching movies, particularly classic films and Disney animation. He loved spending time in the community, often riding his wheelchair around town or enjoying the breeze by the seawall.
Norman was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church. Above all, he treasured time with family and friends. They had many camping and fishing adventures, birthday parties and holiday gatherings.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Julie Vorland; children, Jacob (Kate) Vorland and Alyson (Brandon) Ganey; mother-in-law, Donna Hicks; sister, Louise (Charlie) Norris; sisters-in-law, Cathy Vorland and Lorie (Tim) Wittmaack, brother-in-law, Randy (Marsha) Hicks; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Alice Vorland; father-in-law, Arnie Hicks; brother, Gene Vorland; niece, Jennifer (Norris) Cash; and nephew, Jason Norris.
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