Norman  Suurmeier

CELEBRANT
Fr. Randy Phillips
MUSIC
Organist ~ Georgianne Pravecek
Soloist ~ Linda Kronaizl
Soloist Accompaniment ~ Karen Rettedal
"Ave Maria"
Congregational Hymns
"Amazing Grace"
"I am the Bread of Life"
"The Prayer of St. Francis"
"O Loving God"
"How Great Thou Art"
Norman Norbert Suurmeier was born on April 22, 1932 to Lester and Elsie (Weisz) Suurmeier on the family farm northwest of Scotland, South Dakota. He attended country school through the 8th grade until he started his lifelong career and passion, farming. In February 1953, Norman enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training, he was sent to Korea to serve. He arrived shortly after ceasefire orders and was able to serve as the unit’s cook and baker. He was honorably discharged on December 8, 1954.
On October 26, 1959, Norman was united in marriage to Evelyn Mary Mikuska. Together they made their home on a farm in rural Olivet. He sowed crops, milked cows, raised chickens, and slop fed pigs. Though there was a lot of hard work and tough times he had to endure, Norman was proud and content with being a farmer.
Following his retirement from farming, he kept himself busy visiting with friends in the surrounding area, baking, making homemade noodles, gardening, listening to polka, making rugs and quilts, and serving as an active member of the Paul Grosshuesch VFW Post #2966.
Norman was a good man who appreciated the simple, beautiful things in life. He loved the fresh morning air, the heat of summer, attending church, and the gathering of family and friends. Nothing was more important to Norman than family. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Norman passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2016 having attained the age of 84 years, 4 months, and 3 days.
He is survived, remembered, and loved by his eight children: Dan (Sheila) Suurmeier of Rapid City, Kenneth Suurmeier of Yankton, Theresa (Larry) Gimbel of Milesville, Barbara (Randy) Lewis of Newcastle, WY, Dave (Shawna) Suurmeier of Menno, Judy (Leander) Schieffer of Parkston, Carol (Mike) Buchmann of Crooks, and William (Nicole) Suurmeier of Tripp; many grandchildren; sister Lorreta (Fred) Harmeyer of WI; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn in 2005, his parents, brother and sister-in-law Harold (Cleone) Suurmeier, and sister and brother-in-law Marie (Bob) Dalton.