Howard Norman

Howard Roy Norman was born on April 28, 1940 to Henry and Ruth (Getz) in Hoffman, MN. He graduated from Hoffman High school in 1958 and then moved to Minneapolis, MN. While living in Minneapolis he met Joan (Joni) Kopel, and they were united in marriage on April 4, 1964 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Donnelly, MN. Together they lived in the Twin Cities and were blessed with the birth of their daughter Brenda in 1970 and the adoption of their son Bryan in 1973. Howard and his family moved to Carlos, MN in 1975 and later moved to Alexandria, MN in 1985. Howard worked in construction industry for his entire career, primarily weatherizing homes until 2006 when he retired/slowed down.

Howard loved being surrounded by his family and friends and could visit with anyone. He and Joni enjoyed traveling around the country and Howard especially loved to cruise, taking several trips to the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, and Hawaii. Most recently, he spent Christmas in Costa Rica with Joan, Bryan and his family relaxing and enjoying the sunshine.

Howard's favorite hobbies included playing cards, watching sports, and drinking Malibu with Joni by the lake. He had a unique sense of humor and had been known to crack a joke or two in his day. Watching MN sports, like the Vikings, Lynx, Timberwolves, and Twins was a favorite pastime of Howard's.

Howard R. Norman passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at the Galeon in Osakis, MN at the age of 76 years old. He is survived by his loving wife, Joni Norman of Alexandria; son, Bryan (Christy) Norman of Woodbury, MN; grandsons, Justin and Sean Norman both of Woodbury, MN; brother, James Norman of Fergus Falls, MN; sisters, Ardelle Rohloff of Morris, MN, Betty Anderson of Hoffman, MN, June Sibell of Minneapolis, MN, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Brenda, sisters, Dorothy Engel and Ruth Christianson, and brother William Norman.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017, at 10:30AM at the Catholic Church of St. Mary in Alexandria. A visitation will take place on Thursday, April 6, 2017 from 5-8PM with a 5PM Parish Prayer Service at the Anderson Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers will be Scott Norman, Brian Kraus, Dan Sibell, Josh Bedard, Mel Grannes, and Sean Gay. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Justin Norman, Sean Norman, and all of the whist players and poker players Howard has played with over the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Hospice of Douglas County or donor's choice.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

www.andersonfuneral.net