Norma Stephani, 88

Norma Colleen Stephani, 88, died Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Bethany Home in Alexandria.

Norma was born April 22, 1921 in Parkers Prairie to Harry and Amelia (Johnson) Bruner. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie and graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1939. She furthered her education by receiving a registered nurse degree from Bethesda Hospital in 1943 and later graduated from Metropolitan State University with a bachelor of arts degree.

Norma joined the United States Navy during WWII as a nurse for two years, stationed in San Diego, CA. There she met and then married Alfred H. Stephani on January 16, 1946 in San Diego. After the war they moved to Chicago, IL where two daughters, Judi and Lyn, were born. Norma worked as an RN at Lutheran General Hospital in Chicago until 1971 and then moved to Edina. While living in Edina, Norma worked as a campus nurse at the Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie. After Norma and Al retired, they moved to Alexandria to enjoy their L’Homme Dieu lake home.

Norma enjoyed growing roses in her garden and spending time outdoors. She loved spending many summers with her grandchildren at her lake home. She liked to play cards and enjoyed Bible studies. She was active in the Patchwork Club at Windmill Ponds. Norma also liked entertaining family and friends during holiday festivities. She was independent and expressed her views in letters to the editor. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her, especially Al, who will miss her loving kindness.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Alfred Stephani of Alexandria; daughters, Judi (Jerry) Smith of Carlos, Lyn (Tim) Jacobson of Maple Grove; grandsons, Garrett Smith (fiancée, Miranda Chock) of Eagan, Joshua Jacobson (Cassie) of Kensington, Gregory Smith of Honolulu, HI, Andrew Jacobson (girlfriend, Erin Bloomberg and her children) of Howard Lake; great-granddaughters, Sydney and Tayte Jacobson, both of Kensington; and nephew, Jack Cota of Naperville, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Amelia Bruner; granddaughter, Wendy Smith; and sister, Ardys Cota.

A funeral service was held November 10 at Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Hohncke officiating. Interment was at Swedish Lutheran Cemetery near Parkers Prairie. Casket bearers were Garrett Smith, Jerry Smith, Joshua Jacobson, Andrew Jacobson, Tim Jacobson and Jack Cota. Honorary casket bearers were Sydney Jacobson, Tayte Jacobson and Donna Sigfrid.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Berea Lutheran Brethren Church of Alexandria or the Swedish Lutheran Cemetery near Parkers Prairie.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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