Norma Stephani

Norma Colleen (Bruner) Stephani was born on April 22, 1921 in Parkers Prairie, MN the daughter of Harry and Amelia (Johnson) Bruner. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie and graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1939. She furthered her education by receiving a RN degree from Bethesda Hospital in 1943 and later graduated from Metropolitan State University with a B.A. degree. Norma joined the United States Navy during WWII as a nurse for two years stationed in San Diego, CA. There she met and then married Alfred H. Stephani on January 16, 1946 in San Diego. After the war they moved to Chicago, IL where two daughters Judi and Lyn were born. . Norma worked as an RN at Lutheran General Hospital in Chicago until 1971 and then moved to Edina, MN. While living in Edina, Norma worked as a campus nurse at the Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, MN. After Norma and Al retired they moved to Alexandria to enjoy their L?Homme Dieu lake home. Norma enjoyed growing roses in her garden and spending time outdoors. She loved spending many summers with her grandchildren at her lake home. She liked to play cards and enjoyed Bible studies. She was active in the Patchwork Club at Windmill Ponds. Norma also liked entertaining family and friends during holiday festivities. She was independent and expressed her views in letters to the editor. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her especially Al who will miss her loving kindness. Norma C. Stephani died on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Bethany Home at the age of 88 years old. She is survived by her husband of 63 years Alfred Stephani of Alexandria; daughters Judi (Jerry) Smith of Carlos, MN; Lyn (Tim) Jacobson of Maple Grove, MN; grandsons Garrett Smith (Fianc� Miranda Chock) of Eagan, MN; Joshua Jacobson and (Cassie) of Kensington, MN; Gregory Smith of Honolulu, HI; Andrew Jacobson (Girlfriend Erin Bloomberg and her children) of Howard Lake, MN; great granddaughters Sydney and Tayte Jacobson both of Kensington, MN; nephew Jack Cota of Naperville, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Amelia Bruner, granddaughter Wendy Smith, and sister Ardys Cota. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Paul Hohncke officiating. Interment was in the Swedish Lutheran Cemetery near Parkers Prairie, MN. Casket Bearers were Garrett Smith, Jerry Smith, Joshua Jacobson, Andrew Jacobson, Tim Jacobson, and Jack Cota. Honorary Casket Bearers were Sydney Jacobson, Tayte Jacobson and Donna Sigfrid. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Berea Lutheran Brethren Church of Alexandria or the Swedish Lutheran Cemetery near Parkers Prairie, MN. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home of Alexandria.