With deep sorrow and loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Norg Sanderson into the spirit world on June 8, 2025, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, at the age of 82 years, 10 months and 4 days. Born August 4, 1942, in Highmore, South Dakota, to Lawrence and Margaret (Enger) Sanderson, Norg lived a life filled with dedication, service, and unwavering love for his family and community.
A graduate of Wessington Springs High School in 1960, Norg pursued higher education at Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen on a football scholarship, earning his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and biology in 1964. His professional journey began at First National Bank, where he made his mark in banking before transitioning to the student loan industry in 1979. He was a founding member of South Dakota Student Loan Assistance Corporation, where he remained a guiding force, serving as Chairman of its Board of Directors at the time of his passing.
Norg married Deanna Prentice in Wessington, SD on August 2, 1964. A daughter, Lori, was born to this union in 1966.
Norg was deeply involved in civic life, receiving recognition for his service to the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Area Jaycees, 4-H, RSVP, Sitting Bull College, was named a South Dakota Ambassador by Governor Richard Kneip, and was a member of the Northern State College Foundation President’s Club. His faith was a cornerstone of his existence, and as a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, he held various roles that reflected his devotion to his faith community.
Norg is survived by his beloved wife, Deanna; daughter, Lori (Jim) Skibbie; grandson, Michael Munsen; brother, Charles Sanderson; sister, Naomi Wahl; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Delton and Susan Prentice; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Glenda and Doug DeVore; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Margaret Sanderson; his sister, Orva Day; in-laws: Lowell and Mary Prentice, sister-in-law Kathy Sanderson, brothers-in-law Gary Wahl and John Day; niece, Sherri Sanderson; and nephew Shane Day.
A Memorial Service for Norg will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Jeff Whillock officiating.
A time for fellowship and lunch will follow the service at the church hall.
Visitation will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 13, at Carlsen Funeral Home, with a prayer service and sharing of memories starting at 6:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to SPURS, at https://spursaberdeen.org/giving/ or PO Box 431, Aberdeen, SD, 57402; the Community Alliance Group in McLaughlin, SD, at https://communityalliancegroup.org/donations or PO Box 298, McLaughlin, SD, 57642; or Bethlehem Lutheran Church at https://www.bethlehemaberdeen.org/give or 1620 Milwaukee Ave NE, Aberdeen, SD.
Norg’s legacy is one of benevolence, service, and devotion. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
“Do not let your hearts be weighed down with anything. Instead, with every step you take, send your voice to the Great Spirit, asking him for the things you need. And in all your prayers, remember to give him thanks. Then the peace and harmony of the Great Spirit, which goes far beyond our small and weak ways of thinking, will watch over your hearts and minds through the Chosen One, Creator Sets Free (Jesus).” Philippians 4:6-7 (FNV)