Funeral services for Norma Ann Berven, 84, of Graettinger, were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger with Pastor John Wolf officiating. Interment was at Swan Lake Cemetery, Maple Hill. She died on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in Estherville, with family by her side.
Norma Ann Berven, the daughter of Adolph and Lorine (Lauritzen) Anderson was born March 26, 1939, in Estherville, Iowa.
Norma attended Armstrong school, where she was a part of the basketball team. She was united in marriage to Donald Berven on September 15, 1956, and to this union, three children were born, Randall, Daniel, and Lori. Don and Norma farmed together for many years, where she was an integral part of the day-to-day activities. She was frequently referenced by Don as “his right-hand man”. While her children were young, Norma was an active 4-H leader helping girls learn essential life skills. She also was an active participant in Women’s club helping organize the yearly fashion shows. She and Don were also volunteers for the Graettinger Labor Day Celebration, including being elected Grand Marshalls in 2014.
Once their kids were grown, Don and Norma began traveling to warmer winter destinations. These destinations included Hawaii, Florida, Texas, and finally resting upon Arizona. They purchased and made a home there that included an Arizona room, where Norma enjoyed entertaining friends.
In her free time, she enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling, sewing, baking, feeding the birds, and gardening. Don and Norma took many fishing trips to Northern Minnesota with friends. She enjoyed socializing, especially the Friday night dinners at the Hillcrest and outings with the Red Hat Ladies. Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy.
Norma was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, during her time with the church she had served on the board, was active in a church circle, and sang in the choir. She could be found helping wherever she was called to service.
Norma is survived by her husband of 67 years, Donald Berven of Graettinger; her children, Dan (Sandy) Berven, of Graettinger, and Lori Joachims of Graettinger; five grandchildren; Heather (Aaron) Bachman, Josh (Katie) Berven, Matt (Abby) Joachims, Joe Berven, and Abbey Berven; 1 great-granddaughter and 8 great- grandsons; as well as many other extended family members and friends.
Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Lorine (Lauritzen) Anderson, her son Randall Berven, and her brothers, Donald and Gordon Anderson.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
