Donald Norman

Donald R. Norman passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2008, at his Fergus Falls home surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous fight with COPD. Don and his twin brother, Ron, were born in Fergus Falls on July 14, 1931, to Robert and Bernice (Junkin) Norman. He was baptized and confirmed at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He attended Fergus Falls High School and the Wahpeton State School of Science for Electrical Engineering. He left with the Fergus Falls National Guard for Camp Rucker, AL in 1951. Don attended the Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA, served in Korea for eight months and was honorably discharged in May of 1952. Don married his High School sweetheart, Valera Todahl on June 29, 1952. They had three sons and a daughter who were his pride and joy. He worked at various jobs and in 1958, was employed at the Fergus Falls State Hospital as a Stationary Engineer. He then became Chief Engineer until his retirement in 1991. Don was a Cub Scout leader and a Webelo’s leader for his sons, was an avid reader of books and the Bible. He loved to hunt, fish, travel, dance, enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and watching his grandkids play sports and other school activities. He was a jack of all trades and built his own home for his family in 1962. Don was a member of the Elks holding several offices and was the Elks Point Camp Director for over 25 years, taking much pride in his campground and enjoying the many friendships he made along the way. He was named Elk of the Year in 1983 and again in 2001 when he retired from his job at Elks Point. Don was also a member of the VFW Post 612 and the Grace Methodist Church where he served on several church committees. Family was most important to Don; he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and was much loved by all. Preceding him in death were his parents and his twin brother, Ronald. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Valera; his sons, Craig (Renee) Norman, Scott (Linda) Norman, and Zachary Norman all of Fergus Falls; his daughter, Beth (Greg) Zeipelt of Lake Elmo, MN; grandchildren, Maggie (Ryan) Honer, Monte (special friend, Katie Cronk), Joe and Sam Norman, Hunter Norman and Lydia Zeipelt; one great-grandchild, Jake Honer; a sister, Marion Johnson of Fergus Falls; a brother, Richard (Delilah) Norman of Elizabeth, MN; sisters-in-law, Dilly Todahl of Lapeer,MI and Kelly Norman of Battle Lake, MN, along with many nieces and nephews. Visitation  5-7 pm Tuesday with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the Grace United  Methodist Church Service  2 pm Wednesday at Grace United Methodist Church, Fergus Falls Clergy  Rev. Bob Kandels Interment      Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls with Military participation by Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30