Obituary of Norman August Monroe

Norman August Monroe passed away on February 5th in Shakopee, Minnesota at the age of 85. Norman was born New Years’ Day 1932 in Foley, Minnesota to Art and Selma Monroe. He spent his younger years in Milaca, where his Father operated a grocery store. Norman received his business and public relations training early-on, working along-side his 3 brothers in the family store. The skills he learned from that experience provided a strong foundation for the personal and professional success he realized later in life. As a young boy, Norman loved to be in the outdoors with his brothers, with whom he spent many enjoyable days camping, shooting and being a general nuisance. For the rest of his life, getting together with them was a special delight for him. Norman graduated from Milaca High School in 1949, where he was active in student government and high school theatre. After high school he attended St. Olaf College and then enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951. He was a proud cruiser man and spent time at sea on the U.S.S. Baltimore and U.S.S. Worcester. While on a visit to see friends at St Olaf he met the love of his life, Karoline. Norman finished his college studies at the University of Minnesota, and he and Karoline were married on June 16, 1956. They then moved to Elmhurst, Illinois where Norman attended the Illinois College of Optometry. During this time they welcomed Steven into their family. Norman completed his studies and received his O.D. degree with honors in 1958. After graduation, they moved to the Chaska, Minnesota area where he established an optometric practice that exists to this day with clinics in Chaska and Shakopee. In 1959 Norman and Karoline added twins Jennifer and Randall to their growing family. Norman was active and involved in the community within a variety of organizations such as the Sugar City and Carver County 4-H Clubs, the Chaska Rotary, the Minnesota Optometric Association as well as Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanity. After 50 years of practice Norman retired to enjoy time with friends and family on various adventures, and to pursue his many hobbies and interests. Norman and Karoline moved to Shakopee in 2015 and lived there until his passing. Norman was a rare man –strong, with a deep sense of honor and commitment, yet sensitive and open-minded. He was deeply spiritual in a daily sense and lived his life accordingly. Norman and Karoline were active members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Shakopee for over 50 years. Norman was a proud veteran and was committed to his community, his optometric practice, and his patients. Extremely bright and intellectually curious, Norman was a voracious reader and enjoyed learning about and researching a variety of topics with a special interest in science and ancient history. He loved nature and enjoyed travelling to new and unique places. Norman was a dedicated and loving family man and was kind to all who knew him. He delighted others with his unique wit, wisdom and rich sense of humor. A memorial gathering for friends, family and those who wish to join in celebrating his rich life will be held at Dangerfield’s in Shakopee on Saturday, March 4th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will include personal reminiscences, laughter and fellowship of the type that Norman practiced each and every day. Norman is survived by his spouse of over 60 years, Karoline; sons Steven and Randall (Lyn); daughter Jennifer; brothers Ervin (Peggy), Robert (Betty) and sister Jo Ann; 3 granddaughters Jennifer (Amanda), Eleanor and Karoline; 3 step-grandchildren Cory, Travis and Briana; 1 great-grandchild Kenneth and 7 step great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. If considering memorials, please give an expression of kindness to those you love and those most in need of your care and concern.