Norma Reiland

OBITUARY Norma Arleen Reiland, the daughter of Harris and Thina (Hauglie) Olson, was born on July 20, 1929, in Kensington, MN. She graduated from Central High School in Alexandria in 1947. She continued her education in Minneapolis to become an LPN. While living in Minneapolis, Norma met Ernest Reiland. They were married on February 25, 1950, in Alexandria. Three beautiful daughters were born to this union, Colleen (Coggie), Robin, and Jody. She was a devoted homemaker for most of her life and in her later years she managed Alexandria Dray & Moving. Norma was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church where she was a Girl Scout leader and was also very involved in the Lutefisk Supper for many years. Norma loved music and enjoyed listening to her daughters sing in church and high school choirs as well as the Concordia Choir. Not a Christmas went by that her daughters did not sing their rendition of the song Silver Bells to her. Norma?s face always lit up with how proud she was that she passed the love of music on to all of her family. One of Norma?s favorite styles of music was Bluegrass. She especially enjoyed the time Cog, Bob, and Jordy?s Bluegrass band from their Church, Advent Lutheran, in Maple Grove, came here to Calvary to put on a Bluegrass service for the congregation. She enjoyed her many visits at Robin and Curt?s home relaxing on the patio, enjoying the landscaping, and a cocktail or two. She was always amazed at Curt?s talent as a grill chef making all kinds of gourmet dinners. Curt?s Prime rib was her favorite dish of all. However, she insisted on making the popovers to complement the meal. Norma loved the many special gifts that her daughter Jody handcrafted for her throughout the years. These gifts were a reminder of how Norma always stood by Jody?s side and guided her with love and understanding. Norma was well known for her cooking. She had a great recipe for ?Krem? as well as Swedish meatballs, apple pie, red velvet cake, and many other dishes. Norma made everyone?s favorite food at family gatherings, from green Jell-o to lefse to deviled eggs and no St. Patrick?s Day went by without corned beef and cabbage. She also was a wonderful seamstress and made many beautiful clothes for her daughters. An enjoyable evening for Norma would entail sitting on her swing in her yard and looking at her beautiful garden of flowers. Throughout the years Cog, Robin, and Jody made sure Norma had the opportunity to enjoy many fun and exciting events, concerts, and trips like the time they took her to Las Vegas to see Celine Dion for her 75th birthday. Other notable trips they took were to the San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, a Barbara Streisand concert, and Laura Ingalls Wilder?s home in Walnut Grove. There was one trip, however, that was not on her list of favorites, and that was camping at Superior National Forest where she discovered there was no electricity for her to plug in her curling iron. Needless to say, she stayed at a hotel the next night. She always prided herself in never leaving her home unless she was well groomed with hair done, makeup on, and nails polished. She lovingly took care of her husband Ernest when he was ill and she always was there to listen and help with a problem. She loved her grandchildren and always enjoyed their visits. She watched out the window everyday for her granddaughter Lindsey to spend lunch with her while sharing her wisdom and thoughts and the many stories of her past. To show an example of what a generous and caring grandmother Norma was, she always had a red velvet cake made for her grandson Jay even though their birthdays were only a day apart. It didn?t matter what the theme of our holiday meal was, there was always a bowl of Swedish meatballs for her grandson Corey. Just as an example, one year the Christmas dinner was Chinese cuisine, however, the bowl of Swedish meatballs was still placed next to the chicken stir fry. Norma enjoyed having all of her family together for Christmas and treasured sitting and visiting with her granddaughter Mallory who came each and every year from California. One of her greatest joys in life was getting to spend time with her four great grandchildren. Norma dearly loved all her family, but one not to be forgotten was her beloved Yorkie, Sasha, who always had a prominent place on his own pillow on top of the kitchen table, right next to Norma. Norma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Even if someone had only met her once she was completely memorable. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Norma A. Reiland died on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at her home at the age of 81 years old. She is survived by her loving daughters: Colleen (Bob) Anderson of Cedar, MN; Robin (Curt) Backlund of Alexandria; and Jody (Harry) Hutcheson of Menifee, CA; grandchildren: Jordy (Mandy) Anderson of Champlin, MN; Corey (Jill) Backlund of Fargo, ND; Jay Backlund of Carlos, MN; Lindsey (Pete) Bruzek of Carlos, MN; and Mallory Sorben of Menifee, CA; great grandchildren: Seth and Luke Anderson; Christian Backlund; and Sidney Backlund; brothers: Curtis (Esther) Olson of CO; and Paul (Arlene) Olson of Nelson, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Reiland; loving pet Sasha; parents; brothers Maynard, Burdette, and Chuck Olson; and sister Barbara Mabbott. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at Calvary Lutheran Church with the Reverend Mark Astrup officiating. Interment was at the Kinkead Cemetery. Casket Bearers were Jordy Anderson, Corey Backlund, Jay Backlund, Lindsey Bruzek, Mallory Sorben, and Pete Bruzek. Honorary Casket Bearers were Robert Anderson, Curt Backlund, Harry Hutcheson, and Mike Kummrow. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net