Norma Harmer, 1921-2014

Published 9:35 am Friday, November 7, 2014

Norma Harmer, 93, of Owatonna passed away peacefully from lung cancer Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, at Koda Living Community of Owatonna with her loving family by her side.

Norma Harmer

Norma Estelle (Mittlestadt) Harmer was born April 5, 1921, to Henry and Elsie (Krause) Mittlestadt at the parents’ farm home located in Havana Township in Steele County. Norma was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s American Lutheran Church of Owatonna. She attended rural school through eighth grade and then attended Owatonna High School and graduated in 1940.

She married the love of her life, William Edmond Harmer, Aug. 31, 1940, at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Owatonna by the Rev. Vogel. They were blessed with two children, Richard and Deborah Harmer. They resided on the Harmer family farm in Claremont. Later in life they moved off the farm and lived in the city of Claremont. Norma’s last 4 1/2 years were lived at Countryside Senior Living in Owatonna. At this location she shared much time with new and former friends. She really liked it when they played bingo.

Norma was an active member at First Presbyterian Church, serving as officers on the ladies organization and the synod. She was a member of MN Federated Study Club and served in offices. She really liked to play bridge with her friends and couples. Mom loved to have the family and grandchildren come and visit and share special time together. She was always interested in their lives.

Norma worked some for the family business’ Farmers Credit Company for her husband.  Norma was a dedicated wife and mother through the children’s school and various activities. Mom was known for her delicious cooking and baking. She always cooked from scratch. In her younger days she did a lot of sewing for herself and the family.  After Norma was widowed in 1982 she liked to travel with her friends on scenic trips.  Norma and her family and friends were privileged to celebrate her 90th birthday open house at First Presbyterian Church of Claremont.

Norma is survived by her son, Richard (Sharon) Harmer, of Claremont and daughter, Deborah (Allan) Brown, of Hollandale; grandchildren Roxanne (David) Morrell, Melissa Boik, Derek (Nicole) Brown and Trisha (Dan) Hassebroek; great-grandchildren River, Dylan and Lily Morrell, Ashley and Autumn Boik, and Elissa, Breanna, Isabelle and Hunter Brown; two step-great-grandchildren, Kendall and Kylee Ward; her sister-in-law, Harriet Harmer Lux; and several nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William (Stub) Harmer, in 1982; brothers Donald and Celia Mittlestadt and Burnette and Dorothy Mittlestadt; sisters Delores and Bill Adkins and Helen and Jack Mitchell; sisters and brothers-in-law Mary Ella and Arvin Epps, and Dr. Donald Lux.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Michaelson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church in Claremont with a visitation one hour prior. The Rev. Joe Jones will officiate. Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Claremont.

Memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church or Hillside Cemetery.