Norma E. Bilstad

Norma was born April 3, 1914 in Superior, WS, to the late Thomas and Marian (Winkler) Wheeler. She graduated from high school in Sandstone, MN, in 1931. Norma was united in marriage to Vincent E. Bilstad on October 19, 1931. They lived in Sandstone for 10 years and then relocated to Los Angeles in 1941. In 1942, they returned to Minnesota and resided in Pillager. After a brief time in Portland, Oregon, they moved to Little Falls in 1948. Norma worked for several years in the Morrison County Auditor’s Office in the Little Falls Courthouse. She also worked at Sears, Brunswick Boats, and Marshik Insurance Agency in Little Falls. She had been an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church assisting with secretarial duties and singing in the choir, serving in the Altar Guild, LCW, and a quilting group until her health prevented her from participating. Norma loved to travel, both in the United States and Europe; she enjoyed her varied travel experiences with great enthusiasm. She was also an avid reader, enjoyed spending time at their summer lake home on Fish Trap Lake, and enjoyed cooking, gardening, and sewing. Norma gave her family her love for life and courage to face life’s challenges. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Norma E. Bilstad is survived by her four children, Margery (William) Thoe of Johnson City, TX; James Bilstad of Frederick, MD; Linda (Allen) Brandes of Lawrence, KS, and Veronica (Kurt) Robinson of Little Falls, MN; 11 grandchildren, Terrence (Margi) Thoe of Parkville, MO; Rodney Thoe of Fort Ripley, MN; Steven Thoe of Round Rock, TX; Gregory Thoe of Johnson City, TX; Michaela Bilstad of Washington, D.C.; Melissa (Matt) Bilstad-Meyers of San Ramon, CA; Blake (Brenda) Bilstad of San Diego, CA; Melanie Courson of Auburn, GA; Tracy Vera (Grant Mayer) of Lamont, IL; Tyler (Chelsey) Robinson of Little Falls, MN, and Mateah Robinson of Little Falls, MN. Norma is also survived by 13 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vincent Bilstad in 1994; an infant sibling; and a grandson, Bruce Thoe in 1994. Casketbearers will be Terrence, Rodney, and Steven Thoe; Blake Bilstad; Tyler Robinson; and Sean Thoe.

Tributes

Norma E. Bilstad

April 3, 1914 - August 5, 2011