Norma Holwegner

Norma Holwegner, 97, Bismarck, passed away on May 1, 2020. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Faith Lutheran Church, Bismarck.

My mom, Norma Evelyn Holwegner, was born to parents Halvor and Martha (Rogness) Olsen on February 7, 1923. She was 100 percent Norwegian American. She was baptized at  Vang Lutheran and confirmed there in June 1936. She and brother, Oscar, attended rural school and Norma graduated with honors from Fessenden High School in May 1940.

She attended two years of business college in Bismarck and then started her career at Winston Newell (SuperValue). There, she met the love of her life, Albert William Holwegner, and they were married at Vang Lutheran on May 30, 1948.

The two moved to Minot. On Dec. 17, 1951 they welcomed David Albert and on June 23, 1955 Barbara Jo completed their family. Later, they moved to Harvey and then Williston and finally Bismarck.

Mom sang in the choirs and one year taught 25 reluctant eighth grade confirmation students the book of Jonah – but she made it interesting and personal. Her favorite bible verse was Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know I am God.” She loved the Mary and Martha stories.

On Aug. 30, 2003 their son, David, died at the age of 51. Like Bible Martha, she did not blame Jesus. She knew Jesus welcomed David home and waited for the day they would be reunited. Her beloved Al died on Nov. 22, 2010. Mom knew and has now seen her loved ones alive in Jesus.

She entered Missouri Slope in November 2017. It was there she met her last best friend, Aldeen. We are thankful for the wonderful care of the staff.

Mom was a daughter, sister, niece, wife, mom, sister-in-law, cousin and aunt. At times, life was hard. Her father injured in WWI, growing up in the Depression, seeing Oscar go off to war, burying her son and then her husband after 62 years of marriage. She always lived life as a child of God, remembering her favorite Bible verse, “Be still Norma and know that I am God!”

God be with you until we meet again, Mom!