Please click on the video tribute below to view Gayle & Marvin's celebration service.

Ga yle Ann Norby

"I am with you always." Matthew 28:20

Gayle Ann Norby of Ada, MN passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. She was born on May 27th, 1947, to Norman and Celia (Haddeland) Nystad. Gayle grew up on a potato, grain, and dairy farm near Gary, MN, with her parents, 3 siblings, 3 grandparents and an aunt. After graduating from high school, she went on to graduate from Josef's School of Hair Design in Fargo, eventually opening a salon in her home.

Gayle married Marvin Norby from Gary on June 11, 1966. Together they raised their two daughters, April & Ronda. Marvin drove truck for many years, often leaving at 3am. Gayle would pack his lunch the night before and Marv would make coffee for her, and they would leave notes for each other every day.

Gayle loved gardening, especially growing flowers. The family enjoyed many weekends at the lake, fishing, camping and playing games. One of Gayle's gifts was the gift of hospitality. She was an excellent cook, making feasts for family and friends, hosting volleyball parties, holidays, anniversaries, birthday gatherings and even a wedding. Her greatest joy was always her family.

Gayle was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, her parents, Norman and Celia, her grandparents, and a brother. She is survived by her daughters, April Norby (Dan Schaffer), New Richmond, Wisconsin, and Ronda (Brian) Ciak, Glyndon, MN; grandchildren, Alex (Ken) Bessac, Brandon (Miranda) Ciak, and Alicia Ciak; 2 great grandsons, Emerson and Sawyer Bessac; 2 sisters, Lynda (Ray) Sevald, Fertile, MN, and Vonnie (Dave) Thordal, Moorhead, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gayle and Marv both taught us to live each day to the fullest, no matter what life throws at us. God bless the memory of Marv and Gayle. They are sorely missed.

A gathering of family and friends will take place at 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, MN, with visitation one hour before.

Please view our guestbook and share condolences online for the family.