Jerome died of vascular dementia on December 18, 2024 in Seattle with his family at his side. Born to Wallace (Wally) and Elvira (Vera) Norlander in Milaca, Minnesota, he grew up in Milaca and Isanti Minnesota. He graduated from Cambridge High School and attended the University of Minnesota. He married Linda (Mathiason) in 1969. In 1980 they moved with their two children to rural Mora, Minnesota where he established Northern Son Upholstery. At the age of forty he returned to school and completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota in Communications. He and the family moved to North St. Paul, Minnesota where he earned his Master’s in Technical Communication. He worked as a technical editor and writer for several software companies.

In 2007 he and Linda moved from Minnesota to Tacoma, Washington to be closer to children and grandchildren. He was hired by Russell Investments when they advertised for a PageMaker guru. He retired from Russell in 2016 to pursue his creative endeavors.

He was best known by his friends, relatives and colleagues for his creativity and sense of humor. He was the man who named his socks so they would wear out together—Tom and Jerry, Sonny and Cher etc. And the man who created annotated lists including The 100 Greatest Songs of the Rock and Roll Era and The Most Disappointing, Overrated, or Misguided Movies of All Time.

One of the joys in Jerome’s life was the discovery of a treasure trove of writing by his late grandmother Mary Norlander, a Swedish immigrant and pioneer of the last century. He was able to compile her diaries as well as publish her unpublished novel “Evelyn.” His final project was the creation of a document that included her autobiography, diaries, and a selection of personal letters.

Jerome is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda, daughter Bree Norlander (Ted Scott), son Dustin Norlander (Billie Swift) and grandchildren Nala Scott, Charlie Swift and Gus Norlander. In addition, he is survived by his brother Wally Norlander and sister Diane Quarnstrom as well as nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on January 11^th, at Aegis Madison, 2200 E. Madison, Seattle from 2-4 pm, and a further celebration will be held in Minnesota on May 18^th when the lilacs are in bloom. Private interment in Borgholm cemetery in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota.

Memorials preferred to Habitat for Humanity, Doctors Without Borders or a favorite charity.