Norma D. Hartzell, 91,  a longtime rural Stewartville, Minnesota, farm wife and homemaker, died on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at the Stewartville Care Center, where she had been a resident for the past two years.

Norma Dorothy Christianson was born on Dec. 29, 1927, in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, to Obert and Irene (Johnson) Christianson. She grew up on the family farm near Blooming Prairie, attended rural school and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1946. She went on to receive her teaching degree and was a teacher at country schools until she was married. Norma married Robert Hartzell on June 10, 1950. Following their marriage, they lived on their rural Racine, Minnesota, farm throughout their lives, except for the six years from 1955-61, when they moved to Babbitt, Minnesotaand later returned to their farm. Robert died in 1997; at that time, Norma moved into Stewartville. Norma was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville. She had strong faith and read the Bible daily. Norma was a social person and enjoyed being with friends and family. She also loved gardening and canning, reading, genealogy, garage sales, scrapbooking and photos.

Norma is survived by nine children, Carol (Jerry) Cepelak of Hayfield, Minnesota,  Russell (Julie Kassner) of Rochester, Minnesota, Harriet (Allan) Severson of Blooming Prairie, Doris (Bob) Byro of Rochester, Mary (Danny) Lawson of Stewartville, Elaine (Dave) Eide of Kasson, Minnesota, Dale (Helen) Hartzell of Wabasha, Minnesota, Jim (Jana) Hartzell of Lime Springs, Iowa, and Sharon (Dave) Sell of Boise, Idaho; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and sister, Orene Dennis of Blooming Prairie. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; one grandson, Joseph Cepelak; her parents; and two brothers, Duane Christianson and Curt Christianson.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at  Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville with the Rev. Byron Meline officiating. Burial will follow  in Woodlawn Cemetery. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, at Zion Lutheran Church and for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Norma are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.