Norma Wente

There will be a public celebration of life for Norma Wente of Morris, MN on Saturday, June 20, 2020 from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at the American Legion in Morris. A private family burial will be at Summit Cemetery in Morris.

To protect the health and safety of all, services are currently being limited as required by state and local authorities and the CDC. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available with the obituary on our website. We also encourage you to view the video tribute and/or webcast of the service that may be available. Check the funeral home website for the latest COVID-19 update.

Please consider leaving a personalized photo/message for the family through our Heartstrings Program, which is located on our home page. Starbuck Funeral Home will display your photo/message for the family to have a tangible presence at their services through this difficult time.

Norma Lou Wente was born on May 7, 1927, to Lou and Norma (Galland) Zismer in Morris, Minnesota.  She was raised in Chokio, Minnesota where she received her schooling, graduating from Chokio High School.  Norma was baptized and confirmed in her Lutheran faith in Chokio.  On August 27, 1946, she was united in marriage to Paulus Wente, they made their home in rural Donnelly, and welcomed four daughters.  Norma worked as a telephone operator in Chokio, Morris, and then Alexandria, driving everyday to work for over 20 years.

Norma was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Morris.  She was active on the family farm with chores, raising her girls, and bringing food to the fields.  Norma was spunky, hardworking, always moving – even when she didn’t need to be.  She was an excellent grandma, and her grandkids loved their adventures at Grandma’s!  She was always so selfless and would do anything and everything with and for her grandkids.  She was very proud and possessive of her family, letting everyone know they belonged to her.  She was a simple lady, she enjoyed reading a book, riding horse, baking, flowers and the occasional trip to the casino.

Norma died peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at the Stevens Community Medical Center.  She was 93 years old.

Norma is survived by her daughters: Sandy (Les) Kopel of Donnelly, Shirley (Rick) Busch of Morris, and Susan Wente of Oakdale; son-in-law, Bud Smith of Barhamsville, VA; 6 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon; husband, Paulus; and siblings: Odell Zismer, William Zismer, and Shirley Zismer.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of arrangements for Norma.