Norma Gene Nyhaug

Norma Gene Nyhaug, age 93, of Baltic, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Baltic Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in the St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery, Baltic. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Wednesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Baltic. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Baltic Lutheran Church, American Diabetes Association, or the American Parkinson Disease Association.

Norma was born on February 11, 1931, in Volin, South Dakota, to Martin “Jack” and Lottie (Gustad) Peterson. She was baptized at home and confirmed at the Volin Lutheran Church and graduated from Volin High School in 1949. She married her high school sweetheart, Russell Nyhaug, on March 1, 1950, in Volin. The couple farmed in the Volin area until Russ attended diesel mechanic school in Chicago. Russ’s career took them all over the state of South Dakota while he worked on missile silos and the Oahe Dam. They lived in Kadoka, White River, Murdo, Ft. Pierre, and New Underwood. Norma was the center of the family during those years ensuring continuity during the moves. They finally settled in Baltic in 1964 until November 2015 when they moved to Touchmark at All Saints in Sioux Falls. Russ died on February 20, 2017.

Norma loved her role as a homemaker and mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. During her time as a homemaker, Norma also provided daycare in her home to many children in Baltic. In September 1972, she started her career with the United States Post Office (USPS) working in Baltic and Sioux Falls. Norma retired from the USPS in September 1992.

Norma was a very active member of Baltic Lutheran Church, member of the Baltic Red Hatter’s Society and a lifelong member of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Norma’s homemade buns and brownies were known not only to her family but to many of her friends. They were always a request from family for any gathering or picnic.

Norma was caring and supportive woman with a positive outlook on life. She could find a silver lining in any situation thereby helping many friends and family. She was spunky and just when you thought there would be no comeback from her, Norma would surprise you with a twinkle in her eye.

Norma and Russ traveled to Norway, Washington, DC, Virginia, and New Mexico, along with many trips to Omaha to visit her sister and brother. For many years, Norma and Russ, along with relatives, loved to go to Host Fest in Minot, North Dakota every year.

Survivors include her sons: Steven (Teri) Nyhaug, Sioux Falls, Jeffrey (Jane) Nyhaug, Sioux Falls, and John (Connie) Nyhaug, Viborg; six grandchildren: Erik (Shawna) Nyhaug, Beresford, Jason (Jim Wood) Nyhaug, Brookings, Sarah (Benjamin) Lehman, Fridley, MN, Adam Nyhaug, Sioux Falls, Amanda Nyhaug, Vermillion, and Michelle (Jake) Swanstrom, Mitchell, ; six great-grandchildren: Kaleb Nyhaug, Tiegen Nyhaug, Camryn Swanstrom, Kaelynn Swanstrom, Avery Swanstrom, and Warren Lehman; and three step-great grandchildren: Justin, Ty, and Colton Haneke, sister-in-law, Christie (Nyhaug) Dunbar, Rapid City, and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russ, parents, Martin and Lottie, sister, Esther (Peterson) Klemmensen, and brothers, Robert “Bob” Peterson, and Harold “Pete” Peterson.