Norma J. Gronewold, 99

Fairmont – Memorial Service for Norma J. Gronewold, age 99, of Fairmont, will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont. Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery in Elmore. Memorials are preferred to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont or Martin Luther High School in Northrop. The family requests that those in attendance wear a shade of blue to help celebrate Norma’s life. Norma passed away Tuesday evening, Nov. 21, 2023 at the Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center in Fairmont. The Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Norma Jean was born Jan. 2, 1924 to Evert and Gertie (Klaver) Letcher in Buffalo Center, Iowa. Growing up she attended school and graduated from Buffalo Center High School.

Norma was united in marriage to Fritz Brass on Nov. 6, 1943. This union was blessed with ten children. Fritz passed away, at a young age on Sept. 24, 1970.

Norma later married Max Gronewold on Dec. 7, 1974 and lovingly welcomed his two children into her family. Max passed away on July 4, 2003.

Norma was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont where she was involved in the Clara Circle. She was also a member of the DAV. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and completing puzzles. She was a talented quilter and cross-stitcher. Norma also loved to travel. Spending time with her children and grandchildren was most important to Norma, sharing in laughter and making lasting memories.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: James (Tong) Brass, of Olympia, Washington, Fred (Bonnie) Brass, of Dubuque, Iowa, Robert (Anne) Brass, of Anoka, Linda (Roger) Gerdis, of Titonka, Iowa, Dennis (Sherrie) Brass, of Carson City, Nevada, Thomas Brass, of Mantorville, Betty Fuller of Blairsville, Georgia, Larry (Paula) Brass, of St. James, Denise (Wayne) Traetow, of Fairmont, and Curt (Colleen) Gronewold, of Granada; 23 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Lyle (Shirley) Letcher; sister, Gloria (Roger) Gordon; sisters-in-law: Diana Letcher, Ann Letcher, and Dolores Gronewold; other extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Evert and Gertie Letcher, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Fritz Brass; second husband, Max Gronewold; children: Arlin Brass and Susan Brass Reid; daughter-in-law, Donna Brass; sons-in-law, Mike Reid and Mark Fuller; granddaughter, Erin Brass; siblings: Thelma Erdahl, Elwyn Letcher, Merlyn Letcher, Phyllis Thompson, Loren Letcher, and Rollin Letcher; and other extended family.