Norma Joan Herman

Norma Joan Herman, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2023, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. She was surrounded by her four daughters.

Norma Joan Krenelka was born in Hitterdal, Minnesota on August 2, 1932, to N. Curtis and Wyona (Schloesser) Krenelka. At a young age the family moved to Detroit Lakes. Norma spent some of younger years in Seattle, Washington living with her foster parents, Manville and Agda Pearson. At the age of 12, Norma moved back to Detroit Lakes to live with her dad and step-mother, Margaret.

Norma graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1950. She met the love of her life, Earl Herman while working at the Detroit Lakes Theatre.  They were married on November 18, 1951, at First Lutheran Church. A love that lasted just short of 71 years. Earl and Norma lived in Detroit Lakes their entire life. They were blessed with four daughters. While raising their children, Norma worked at the National Tea grocery store and in later years, took a job as traffic manager at KDLM radio. Norma had her own radio program where she shared recipes, hospital news, and kitchen tips. Her radio personality was “Jo”.

Norma loved her sports. She never missed a chance to watch Earl play softball or baseball, and rarely missed a game that her grandchildren were playing whether it was baseball, softball, basketball, soccer or swimming. Norma also loved her Minnesota Twins. She was a very talented baker. Over the years she baked and decorated wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and anniversary cakes for many family and friends in the area. Norma even made her own recipe book with her favorites, which are still being enjoyed by her family today. Earl and Norma joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes in 1952, where she taught Sunday School and Luther League for many years. She was also an active member of the VFW auxiliary, a past Blue Bird Leader, Camp Fire Leader, a member of a local camping club and a member of a card club. Norma enjoyed crocheting, sewing, crafting, reading and walks with her favorite walking partner, Maxi.

Norma is survived by her four daughters: Debi Strand, Denise (Kevin) Olson, Danielle Ramsey (Perry), and Diane (Corey) Bakken. Her nine grandchildren: Nicole (Brent) Strand-Gjersvig, Natasha (Troy) Strand-Grohsman, Josh (Kayla) Strand, Billi Townsend, Kelli (Jason) Langerud, Matt (Sarah) Olson, Zach Ramsey (Gabby), Quinn (Kaitlyn) Bakken, and Garrett Bakken. As well as 16 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved so dearly. She is also survived by her step-sisters: Pam (Don) Steinmetz, Carol Ann (John) Totland and foster sister Marcia Pearson, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Earl (October 2022), her father and step-mother Curtis and Margaret Krenelka, her mother Wyona Sato, her foster parents Manville and Agda Pearson, infant daughter Linda, and her beloved dog, Maxi, whom she never truly got over.