Norma was born November 12, 1916 in Preble Township, near South Fork, to Peter and Margit (Sand) Rye. She attended the South Fork School and the South Fork Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School. As a young woman she worked for her neighbors and relatives. While working, she met Tillman Rasmussen. On June 20, 1937 they were married at the Lutheran Parsonage in Lanesboro. They farmed most of their lives on the farm where Tillman grew up. In 1974 they moved to St. Charles for a short time where she worked in housekeeping in the nursing home. They later moved back to Mabel. Tillman passed away on October 7, 1994. Norma resided in Mabel until moving to Maplewood in May.
Norma was a member of the Newburg Methodist Church. She enjoyed dancing and going on several bus trips around the United States.
Norma passed away Thursday, August 10, 2017 at Lakeview Commons in Maplewood, Minnesota at the age of 100.
Norma is survived by three children Lester of Postville, Iowa, Muriel Simpson of Eagan, and Gordie (Ann) of Stillwater; ten grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; two sisters Phyllis Norby of Mabel and Ardis Moen of Eagan; and a brother-in-law Paul McMannimon of Maryland. She was preceded in death by her husband Tillman; a sister Marjorie; and two brothers Joseph and Ervin.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday, August 14, 2017 at the Newburg United Methodist Church in rural Mabel with the Rev. Sharon Goetzinger, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Sunday, August 13, at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church. |
