Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Norman Leon Hand, 90, passed away at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon, Oregon, on March 1, 2025. He was born on Oct. 26, 1934, in Corvallis, Oregon, to Guy Adrian and Mildred (Hardenburger) Hand. He was the fifth of seven children. The family later moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon, where Norman grew up.
Norman left home and joined the U.S. Army in about 1951 or 1952 and served in Korea during the Korean War. He was discharged and went back to finish high school, graduating from Klamath Union High School in 1953. He then re-enlisted in the Army, serving from 1954-1957. He married Ellen Rose Olson in June 1957 and they had three children. They divorced in 1982.
Norman was injured in a gunshot accident in 1962, and after a long recovery, he attended Oregon Technical Institute, where he earned an Associate Degree in accounting technology. Norman was employed as deputy clerk for Lake County (Oregon) School District from 1965-1969, and then worked as business manager for the Hood River County (Oregon) School District until he retired. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Oregon State College in 1995, and later earned a Master’s Degree in adolescent psychology.
He married Susan Louise Jones Sears in 1990 and they remained together until her death in 2021.Â
Norman enjoyed deer hunting and fishing, and spent many happy hours over the years in deer camps and fishing camps with his brothers, son, and nephews.
Norman is survived by his daughters, Lindasue (Doug) Spencer and Betty Jean (Vern) Nelson; his stepson Treve (Janet) Sears; his brother Gerald; his sister Betty (Robert) Dreyer; grandchildren Tarl Spencer, Cassandra DuBray, Kristian Spencer, and Adrienne Nelson; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; his son, Richard Allen Hand; brothers Delmar and Kenneth; and sisters Lois Gray and Mildred Feiss.
A special thank you to the Oregon Veterans’ Home Lebanon for the care and support they provided. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Oregon Veterans’ Home Lebanon, 600 N. Fifth St., Lebanon, OR 97355, or to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, OHSU Foundation, P.O. Box 29017, Portland, OR 97296.
A Military Honors funeral will take place on Friday, April 4 at 9 a.m. at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, followed by a celebration of life.
To plant a tree in memory of Norman Hand as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
I'm so sorry to hear of norm's passing, and also to see that Susan has also passed away. She was one of my delightful customers over the years, and helped me out at my cross stitch shop. I will always remember her fondly. Sandy Haechrel
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I'm so sorry to hear of norm's passing, and also to see that Susan has also passed away. She was one of my delightful customers over the years, and helped me out at my cross stitch shop. I will always remember her fondly. Sandy Haechrel
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.