Marlys Norman
Age - 95
December 10, 2023
"Marlys Virginia (Crandall) Norman of Pine River, MN, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the Brookside Comfort Home in Pine River, MN. She was born on February 12, 1928, to Leo and Selma Crandall at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, MN; the firstborn of twin daughters. She grew up in Minneapolis, MN, graduating in 1946 from Edison High School. On January 15, 1949, she married (Jay) Bruce Norman, and they had two children together: Steve, born in 1951, and Cheri, born in 1956. They raised their family in Brooklyn Center, MN. Marlys lived there until she moved to Sleepy Eye, MN, to live with her daughter Cheri and son-in-law Greg Reiniger. From there, she moved to the Good Samaritan Home in Pine River and then to the Brookside Comfort Home in Pine River. Marlys trusted in Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. As a woman of faith, she was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, participating in women\u0027s circle (Bible Study) and teaching Sunday School for several years. While raising her children, she often had her daily devotions on the living room sofa later in the day; then after retirement, she had her devotions at the kitchen table where she kept her Bible along with her morning cup of coffee. This was also her prayer time. Marlys worked at the Old Dutch Potato chip factory during high school and then at the Midland Bank following high school graduation. In 1965, Marlys started working at the Anoka County Day Time Activity Center in Fridley, MN, and worked there for over nine years. She loved her job there and enjoyed making a difference in the lives of the children in her classroom and their families. She often called her students \u0026quot;my children. \u0026quot; Occasionally when shopping, Marlys would be confused for her twin sister Marilyn. She would smile and say, \u0026quot;I think you have me confused for my sister Marilyn,\u0026quot; and always took the time to visit with them. She would then be sure to let Marilyn know whom she bumped into at the store. Marlys\u0027 life was always full of family, friends, and fun. She loved visiting, baking, antiquing, crocheting, sewing, and playing cards with her card group friends. She was a wonderful mom and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bruce, son-in-law Greg, and great-grandson Elijah. Marlys is survived by her son, Steven (Debbie) Norman of Pequot Lakes, MN, and daughter Cheryl Reiniger of Little Canada, MN; Seven grandchildren, Jason (Fawnda) Norman, Nicole (Joseph) Laven, Christopher (Erin) Reiniger, Jeffrey (Rachel) Reiniger, Brent (Sarah) Norman, Timothy (Rosie) Reiniger, and Anna (Justin) Burnard; 18 great-grandchildren; sister Marilyn Freeberg of Andover, including many nieces and nephews. If so desired, memorials may be given to the Minnesota Down\u0027s Association by going to https://dsamn. org and clicking on the word \u0026quot;Donate\u0026quot; or Wheels for the World(tm) by going to https://joniandfriends. org/wheels-for-the-world and clicking on the word \u0026quot;Donate\u0026quot;. A Celebration of Life Service is to be held December 13, 2023 with visitation at 1pm, followed by service at 2pm with reception to follow at The Washburn-McReavy Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Funeral Chapel located at 515 Hwy 96 W Shoreview, MN. "Show more
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