Norma L. Nielsen, 88, died at Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary Hospice House on Wednesday, October 1, 2014.

Norma Lorraine Larson was born on November 2, 1925 in Shelburn Township near Tyler, Minnesota to Arnt and Nettie Larson. She was baptized on November 19, 1925 and confirmed on May 12, 1940. Norma graduated from high school at the University of Minnesota Morris. On October 7, 1945, she married Clarence ‘Pat’ Nielsen.

Norma and Pat were farmers near Tyler until a farm accident left Pat unable to continue farming. Norma began selling Stanley Home Products. In 1957, at age 32, she was promoted to branch manager and had ¾ of South Dakota for her territory, thus their move to Rapid City. Pat and Norma invested in rental real estate and owned several properties. Pursuing new interests they managed Manns Motel for several years and moved on to manage the 41 unit Fremont Apartments followed by the 168 unit Corral Park Apartment Development. 

Norma was an accomplished artist and true to her Norwegian heritage specialized in rosemaling. 

Norma was a strong witness for her Lord and Savior. She was active in church activities, taught Sunday school and was President of the Tuesday luncheon group for several years and a member of OWL’s. Norma also served as President of the Trinity Lutheran Church congregation for two years. She attended an active Bible study group until two weeks ago. 

She could be found in her church stantion (seat) every Sunday, always in the same location. On September 8, 2014 Norma decided to move to Rapid City Regional Auxiliary Hospice House where she spent her final days. God gathered her into his arms on October 1, 2014. Reflecting on Norma’s life, one can only say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Left to cherish her new memory are her children: Leon (Kris) Nielsen, Rapid City; Lois (Al) Kilgore, Baxter, MN; grandchildren: Shaun (Carrie) Nielsen, Rapid City; Jason Nielsen, Des Moines, IA; Kim (Bruce) Peddle, Wrenshall, MN; Kristi (Scott) Villwock, Brainerd, MN; Kari (Chuck Dullum) Cadwell, Nisswa, MN; Chad Kilgore, Brainerd, MN; 11 great grandchildren: Abby, Ellie, Quin, Cade, Zachary, Taylor, Tori, Lauren, Lindsey, Lana, and Jack and her sister Wanda Nordmeyer, Lake Benton, MN.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Luella Hoiland and Erma Blegen; brothers: Martin Larson and Allen Larson; and her husband, Clarence “Pat” Nielsen.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 pm on Friday, October 3, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Wilbur Holz officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Rainbow Bible Ranch, 
Trinity Lutheran Eco-Garden or Hospice of the Hills.