Norma Hesse

Norma Caroline (Swenson) Hesse was born on August 21, 1927, in Butte, Montana to Harold and Gina (Gulsvig) Swenson.  She moved to Glenwood at the age of 4 with her foster parents, Emil and Emma Evenson.  Norma graduated from Glenwood High School.

On October 14, 1947, Norma was united in marriage to Dale Hesse in Sisseton, SD.  The couple farmed near Swift Falls, before moving to Alexandria in 1957.  Norma worked as a homemaker, and as an election judge for many years after the kids were older.  She also enjoyed handing out food samples at Pete’s County Market.  Later in life, Norma enjoyed helping at Calvary Lutheran Church, especially at the Lutefisk dinner.  Norma loved crocheting, knitting and going to the casino.

Norma died on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at Knute Nelson in Alexandria at the age of 93.  She is survived by her children, Emojean Johnson of St. Louis, MO; Gerald Hesse of Alexandria; and Carol (Lyle) Lanigan of Alexandria; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Dale; son, Randy Hesse; infant twin sons; parents, Harold, Gina; foster parents, Emil and Emma; brothers, Lloyd Crosby and Paul, Glen, James and Donald Swenson; and sisters, Inez Jergenson, Esther Jergenson, and Dorothy; and son-in-law, Sam Johnson III,

A private memorial graveside service was held at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria with Reverend John Martinson officiating.