Obituary of Norma Jean Marks

Norma Jean Marks, 79, of Buffalo, previously of Rockford, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017 at her home. Norma was born on June 23, 1937 in Detroit Lakes, MN to Hugo and Esther (Lien) Wandersee. She lived on the family farm north of Lake Park, MN where they grew a variety of crops and raised dairy cattle. After high school graduation, she attended Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND studying bookkeeping/accounting. Norma and Richard (Dick) were married in 1957 and moved to Browns Valley, MN in 1961 where together they owned Marks Quality Bakery. The family moved to Grand Forks, ND in 1969 and then to Rockford, MN in 1977. Like Dick, Norma worked at Byerlys Bakery in Rockford (Lund Food Holdings) for 20 years as an office receptionist and clerk, retiring in 2005. Norma was an active member of her church, especially Sharon Lutheran in Grand Forks, and Our Father’s Lutheran in Rockford. She was the past President of the Sharon Lutheran Women’s Association and Education Secretary of the Rum River Lutheran Women’s Association. She was always active in the women’s church circles and bible studies and cherished her friends she made through this fellowship. Beyond her work in the bakery, she was first and foremost a Mom and a Grandma. She was a wonderful cook, housekeeper, and always there when someone needed something. As Dad’s eyesight diminished she became his eyes and his chauffer and would drive him to where he needed to go. Between them, they were quite the team. They enjoyed driving vacations to places across the United States both with family and just the two of them. Norma enjoyed reading, spending time with family and visitors, and of course, watching game shows….especially Jeopardy at 4:30. Norma was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Dick; and parents, Hugo and Esther. She is survived by: her sons, Keith (Corinne), Craig (Andrea); grandchildren, Kayla and Jacob, Ryan and Andrew; brothers, Ronald (Barbara) and Gary (Linda) Wandersee; many other relatives and good friends. Norma will be deeply missed by all of us but her faith ensured she was ready for the next part of her journey. Celebration of Life 12pm (Noon) Saturday, March 18th at Our Father’s Lutheran Church, 3903 Gilbert Ave. SE, Rockford (763-477-6300) with visitation at church 2 hours before service. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family will accept memorials for her favorite charities. www.cremationsocietyofmn.com