Stephen Andrew Norrell

Aug 20, 1937 -

Aug 22, 2025

Stephen "Steve" Andrew Norrell, age 88, died on Aug. 22, 2025, at his home in Anchorage, Alaska.

Steve was born to Stephen and Loretta Norrell in Yonkers, N.Y. His childhood was spent in the New York City and Westchester County areas of New York state. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Manhattan College in NYC, a Master of Science degree in biology from the University of Detroit and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in microbiology from the University of Arizona in Tucson. After completing a year-long fellowship at the U.S. Army Biological Laboratories in Frederick, Md., in 1966, he joined the faculty at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M. In 1970, Steve joined the faculty of the University of Alaska, now University of Alaska Fairbanks. In 1974, he relocated to Anchorage to establish the science program at the Senior College, now University of Alaska Anchorage, where he held several academic and administrative positions before retiring in 1995.

In 1966, Steve was united in marriage to Barbara Sue Barnes. They have three children: Karen, Kelley and Joe. Steve enjoyed spending time with his family in the great Alaska outdoors. His children fondly remember camping and fishing trips anywhere from Fairbanks to Homer, literally! In retirement, Steve enjoyed fly fishing using his own custom-tied flies and handmade fishing rods, target shooting with custom-made rifles and hand-reloaded ammunition, and woodworking. He made furniture, curio boxes and toys for his grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his wife, Barbara; sister, Katherine Norrell Marron of Barrington, Ill.; daughters, Karen Grames (Bill) of Houston, Texas, and Kelley Norrell (Leonard Jolly) of East Wenatchee, Wash.; son, Joseph Norrell (Stephanie) of Vienna, Va.; grandchildren, Stephen Dodge (Jane Au) of Wenatchee, William Dodge of Portland, Ore., Aiden Grames and Josie Grames of Houston, and Nicholas Norrell of Vienna; and great-granddaughter, Sadia of Houston. He is preceded in death by his parents and five aunts and uncles.

According to his wishes, the family is planning a private gathering to celebrate Steve's life by visiting some of his favorite places: the Gulkana River, Talkeetna, Summit Lake and the Russian River. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.