Norma was born December 9, 1918 in rural Decorah, Iowa to Andrew and Martha (Espeseth) Haugen. Her childhood was spent on farms in the Sauk Center, Minnesota and Decorah, Iowa areas. She graduated from the Decorah High School in 1935 at the age of 16. She did housework for two years until she received her “Normal Training Certificate”. On January 21, 1939 she married Howard Masters in Decorah, Iowa. She taught in District #2 near Burr Oak, Iowa. They farmed in the Burr Oak area until 1952 when they moved to the Harmony, Minnesota area and farmed there for a few years before moving back to Mabel in 1961where she worked at the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home as a dietary aid and cook until retiring in 1992. Howard passed away on May 19, 2000.
After retiring she enjoyed crossword puzzles, making quilts for the children, embroidery, keeping up on the news and politics, and spending time with her family. She was a member of the Mabel First Lutheran Church.
Norma passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home in Mabel at the age of 93.
Norma is survived by ten children Robert (Ruby) of Premont, Texas, Ardath Johnson of Mabel, Gerald (Vivian) of Benton, Wisconsin, Phyllis (Thomas) Johnson of Marian, Iowa, Jean (Robert) Watson of Red Wing, Minnesota, Elaine (Roger) Ruff of West Fargo, North Dakota, Marcia (Mike) Goss of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Lynnette (Charlie) Rochford of Oelwein, Iowa, Rhonda Masters of Minnetonka, Minnesota and James (Gail) of New Hampton, Iowa; 20 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren; 13 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; a grandson Bradley Masters; three brothers Ernest, Art, and Gordon; and a sister Genevieve Breedlove.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday, October 29, 2012 at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel with the Rev. Gail George officiating. Burial will be in the Mabel Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 PM Sunday at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel and one hour prior to services. |
