Gail (Norby) Steinmetz

February 15, 1949 – September 4, 2025

Gail (Norby) Steinmetz, age 76, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away unexpectedly on September 4, 2025. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and lifelong nurse, she leaves behind a profound legacy of compassion, unwavering loyalty, and boundless generosity.

Born on February 15, 1949, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Gail was the youngest daughter of Elaine and Julian (Dood) Norby. From her earliest years, she cultivated a deep love for sewing and baking, often sharing her talents at potlucks with her closest friends from the Grand Forks Central High School Class of 1967. Her siblings—Chuck, Jane, and Doug—cherish fond memories of ice skating together, attending drive-in movies, and spending time at the family cabin.

She was formerly married to Lloyd Steinmetz and together they welcomed two children, Shane and Marnie. Gail pursued her passion for caregiving by first earning her LPN license, supporting herself through nursing school at Northland Technical College. In 1989, she relocated to the Twin Cities area, where she advanced her education to become a Registered Nurse at Inver Hills Community College. She enjoyed a distinguished career at HealthEast Saint Joseph’s Hospital, where patients fondly remembered her calm demeanor, gentle touch, and warm, reassuring smile.

Life presented its share of challenges, yet Gail met each season with remarkable resilience, grit, and an enduring commitment to hard work and perseverance. In her later years, her greatest joy was found in the role of “Grandma” or “GG” She delighted in attending her grandchildren’s events, baking cookies, and providing loving childcare—always present with an open heart and bright smile. After retiring, home became an even greater sanctuary; for several years, she shared her space with her grandsons Brendan and Noah, creating cherished memories in everyday moments.

Gail is survived by her children, Shane (Nan) Steinmetz and Marnie (Corey) St. Germain; her five grandchildren, Cassidy and Brendan St. Germain, Noah, Abigail, and Megan Steinmetz; her step grandchildren, Brandon (Sarah) Knutson and Kayla (Will) Rolf; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Chuck (Jane) Norby and Doug (Sandy) Norby; her sister, Jane (Tim) Hanson; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Elaine Norby; her stepfather, James Gaffaney; and her cherished niece, Sarah Hanson.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorials to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) a cause Gail supported with great passion, which honors the sacrifices of first responders, veterans, and Gold Star families by providing mortgage-free homes and other vital support.

Gail will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know and love her. The family finds comfort in the knowledge that her final days were spent surrounded by loved ones at Trout Lake—one of her most treasured places—where shared meals, heartfelt stories, and joyful pontoon rides will remain cherished forever.

A celebration of life will be held at:

Crosslake Community Center

14126 Daggett Pine Road

Crosslake, MN 56442

Saturday, June 13, 2026

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Gail’s warmth, strength, and loving spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

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