Norbert Bloch

Norbert "Norby" Bloch, age 81 of Albany, died at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, July 7, 2016.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Cletus Connors presiding. Interment will take place in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the church on Monday, July 11th and also from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12th at the church.

Norbert Bernard Bloch was born December 22, 1934 in Albany, Minnesota to John L. and Mary (Heinen) Bloch. Norbert was united in marriage to Marcella Rose Kowitz on September 5, 1960 in St. Stephen Catholic Church in St. Stephen, MN. Norbert had a long and successful career working for the Stearns County Highway Department. While he worked for the highway department, he and Marcella raised a family of nine children on a hobby farm near Albany. Because of his outstanding work ethic, Norbert always made sure the work was done before he could enjoy himself. He also instilled this trait in his family. Gardening, tending his raspberry patch, fishing and hunting were some of his favorite pastimes. Norby was always up for a card game - especially "Solo" with Marcella and Don. He was a fan of the Minnesota Twins. Listening to polka music brought great pleasure to Norby and when "Pretty Red Wing Polka" was played he would enjoy dancing with his wife! His Catholic faith was very important; Marcella and Norbert would often take their family to church for Friday Night Stations and would stop by Dairy Queen on the way home and get Dilly Bars for everyone. As his family grew, he truly enjoyed being a grandfather to all the grandchildren.

Norbert was a member of Seven Dolors Church, St. Joseph Men's Society and Catholic United Financial.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marcella; children, Ruth (Greg) Glenn of Avon, Diane (Jerry) Panek of Albany, Wanda Bloch of St. Cloud, Donald (Holly) Bloch of Avon, Greg Bloch of Sauk Centre, Sandy (Kurt) Skwira of Opole, Paula (Russ) Klaphake of Avon, Marty Bloch of St. Cloud and Jason Bloch of St. Cloud; 16 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; siblings, Agnes Stock of Sauk Rapids, Florence Petrick of Sartell, Edwin Bloch of St. Cloud, Marcella Stangler of Cold Spring, Leo (Pat) Bloch of Richmond, Rita (Richard) Huberty of Cold Spring, David Bloch of St. Augusta, Alfred (Mary) Bloch of Luxemburg, Robert (Carol) Bloch of Kimball and Patricia Colliander of St. Cloud; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Norbert was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Bloch; sister, Angeline Stangler; and brother, Raymond Bloch.