Norman Wellbrock

Norman Winton Wellbrock, 82, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

He was born February 18, 1931, the eldest child of John and Algartha (Buth) Wellbrock at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm in Aurdal Township, attending country school at District 66. He graduated from Washington High School in Fergus Falls in 1949.

Norman was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls on March 7, 1931 by Rev. Walter Friedrich. His godparents were Robert Wellbrock, Walter Wellbrock, and Mrs. Hattie Krause. He was confirmed at Friberg Immanuel Lutheran Church on April 28, 1946 by Rev. Arnold Cloeter. Norman was an active member all of his life. He served as an usher, trustee and deacon for many years. He was also treasurer for the building fund for the addition to the front of the church.

He served in the U.S. Army in the artillery division from December 1954 until December 1956. He was stationed in Puerto Rico during the Korean Conflict, after which he served in the reserves. He attended North Dakota State School of Science at Wahpeton and got his degree as an electrician, however Norman was a lifelong farmer in Aurdal Township on his grandfather’s farm. He had Brown Swiss dairy, and Charolais and Hereford beef cattle. He loved to drive his John Deere tractors and pickup.

On September 16, 1960, he was married to Lois Jean Krause at Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. They lived on the farm and raised their three children, enjoying their school and 4-H days. He enjoyed hunting deer, duck and pheasant and was an excellent shot. He liked to fish, ski, bowl, snowmobile, and sang with the “Sounds of Faith” for many years. He sold his dairy herd in 1991 but continued with his beef until his poor health caused him to retire from active farm work. He and Lois enjoyed many trips around the country, either with him driving or on tour bus trips.

He spent his last year with us residing at the Vets Home where the quality care given enabled him to enjoy the music programs and their many other activities.


He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Barbara (John) Chambers.

Survivors include his wife, Lois, of Fergus Falls; children: Judy Kim (James Ruthven) of Gunnison CO, Nancy Joann (David) Nissen of Carlos MN, and Daniel John (Tawna Euler) of St. Paul MN; and grandchildren: Emily Ruthven, Montrose MN, David Ruthven, Littleton CO, and Jordan and Maria Nissen, Carlos MN.

Memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Visitation: 10 – 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the church
Service: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Noel Herr
Interment: Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Fergus Falls
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.