Dorothy Norman ofIsanti died June 15, 2012 at GracePointe Crossing Gables East. The funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at North Isanti Baptist Church. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Lewis Lake Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
She was born October 14, 1925 in the Bodum area to Walter and Violet (Lindell) Reichel. She grew up in various parts of Isanti County in an outgoing extended family. Dorothy graduated from Cambridge High School in 1944 and later attended Bethel College. While working at the Day Store she met the love of her life, a studious farmer named, Lester Norman. The couple married at Dalbo Baptist Church and settled on the Norman farmstead near Day. The couple attended Lewis Lake Covenant Church and the activities of the church’s Homebuilders group provided much fellowship. Three children were born; David, Daryl and Brenda.
Eventually, Dorothy began to work in the rest home in Braham managed by her mother. Later, Lester and Dorothy worked for many years at the Cambridge State Hospital. During that time they bought her parents home near Isanti. After Lester’s death in 1995, Dorothy continued to live in the home until her recent illness. She remained active. She enjoyed God’s Word and spending time with family and friends. She drove as long as possible, often going out to eat with her much-loved grandson, Jason. Her mind remained active-always interested in newscasts and the Twins. Dorothy enjoyed watching birds and taking care of her flowers. Even after travel was difficult, she enjoyed her bird figurines and kerosene lamps. The lamps symbolized the way she brightened the lives of those around her with her positive attitude, even in the last weeks.
Dorothy Lavern Norman joined a host of family and friends in Heaven on June 15, 2012 at the age of 86 years, 8 months and 1 day. Among those going to Heaven before her, were her parents; husband, Lester; children, Daryl and Brenda; sister, Eleanor Lindquist; three brothers, Vernard, Wallace and Bob and wife Bev Reichel; brothers-in-law, Donald King and Garrit Byker; and sisters-in-law, Doris Byker and Marian Niemann.
Dorothy is survived by her son, David; grandson, Jason; sister, Lucille King; brother, Will (Lorraine) Reichel; brother-in-law, Delbert Lindquist; aunt, Viola Reichel and many other relatives and friends.
The family is thankful for the prayers and support from churches and individuals, especially since Thanksgiving of 2010. Special thanks to her long-time friend, Ethel Hall, for making Dorothy’s last day on earth special and to her dear young friend, Nicky Arrett, for his prayers and for his caring heart.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I have not seen Dorothy in so many, many years, since I was a little girl at Lewis Lake. My memory of her is that she was such a nice person! What a blessing her life has been to all around her! Your loss is heavens gain!