Norma Gunderson

Norma V. “Toby” Gunderson, 94, of Sioux Falls formerly of Baltic died Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at the Sanford Centennial Hospice Cottage.

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM Friday, September 4, 2009 at Hope Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation with the family present will be from 6-8:00 PM Thursday at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Baltic.

Norma was born May 21, 1915 on the family farm near Baltic to parents Magnus and Emma (Nelson) Tidemann. She grew up near Baltic and graduated from Baltic High School in 1933. Norma married Milo Gunderson September 26, 1936 at West Nidaros Lutheran Church, rural Crooks. After their marriage they farmed in the Baltic area. Norma also worked for Treloar's Grocery for several years. Milo died September 3, 1975.

Norma was a community minded person who was active in her church as a Sunday school teacher, leader in the women’s groups and singing in the choir. She was also a help mate on the farm. Norma loved spending time with her family, doing cross word puzzles, reading, playing cards, sewing and handwork.

Grateful for having shared her life are her five children, Lois (Tom) Heideman, Arden Hills, MN; Janet (John) Stone, Garfield, MN; Marian (David) Wheeler, Aurora, SD; Ruth Mehlhaff, Sioux Falls; Orlen Gunderson, Denver, Co; ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and a great great granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milo; a sister, Mildred Gunderson, and two brothers, Elmer and Walter Tidemann.