Norman Ernst Hogrefe

Norman Hogrefe age 65 entered the gates of heaven on August 12, 2013, surrounded by his beloved wife and children. He was not ready to leave his family and friends, but knew that the good Lord was calling his name. As he talked in riddles often said, â€œmy bags are packed and when the bus shows up you have to jump on it.â€ Martin and Anna (Lullman) Hogrefe where blessed with Norman Ernst Hogrefe on September 9, 1947. He was baptized on September 28, 1947 and later confirmed on March 26, 1961 at Zion Lutheran Church. He attended grade school at Zion Lutheran School and graduated from Newell Providence in 1965. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves, and attended college in Fort Dodge. With the help of Norm's sister Myrna, and some "forgotten" sunglasses as a decoy, he met his future wife Lynn Petersen of Newell. From their first date, he tried to impress his girl by wearing his best Sunday suit...to the drive in. They were married on October 24, 1970. They were blessed with five children: Troy, Wendy, Melissa, Derek and Tiffany. Five wasn't quite enough so they "borrowed" 3 more children as exchange students. With God's help, they stood united in marriage for 42 years. Norm provided for his family, and many others, as owner and operator of Normâ€™s Livestock Supply Incorporated in Storm Lake. Norm's gifts of a quick wit, warmth, and infectious laughter never allowed him to have an enemy or meet a stranger. Even his customers considered him family. He always spoke the best of everyone and was quick to forgive and forget. Anyone that showed up at the Hogrefe house had better show up with an empty belly ready to sink their teeth into the best grilled meat in town! Then wash it down with some good Lutheran lemonade! The grand kids love to go to Papa's house. No matter how many kids were on his lap, there was always room for one more. Norm loved to share his rich musical family traditions playing his beloved polkas and waltzes with his concertina, drums and banjo here, there, and everywhere. With his selfless ways, at home or in his worldly travels, he always worked to make even just one person's day brighter. But most importantly with his stout German vin and vigor, despite whatever adversity arose, his valiant faith in God was unshaken. He gladly accepted and sought out God's endless work, serving in a multitude of roles in Grace Lutheran Church. Due to his passion for children, he was a huge parochial school supporter and acted as a founding father of the Concordia Lutheran School in Storm Lake. His battle here is complete, but his unconditional love and strong faith, which has been implanted in his family, will sustain us all. We will miss him dearly but be comforted knowing that he will be shining down on us all from heaven and embracing us all. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Lynn Hogrefe of Storm Lake, Iowa; children , Troy (Andrea) Hogrefe of Storm Lake, Melissa (Nathan) Snyder of Alta, Derek (Barb) Hogrefe of Storm Lake, Tiffany (Dave) Stern of Storm Lake; mother, Anna Hogrefe of Storm Lake; grandchildren-(because everyone ought to have a dozen), Elli, Madelyn, Drew, Bryce Hogrefe, Tristan Bainum, Makayli, Makenzie, Ashton Snyder, Loggan, Addyson, Morgann Hogrefe, Ava Stern; sister Myrna (Roger) Lorenzen of Storm Lake; brothers Bob (Rose) Hogrefe of Eagle Grove, Arlo Hogrefe of Storm Lake; mother-in-law, Delores (Norm) Newbury of Alta; step mother-in-law Mary Petersen of Whapeton, IA; sister-in-law Jerri Long of Newell, step sister-in-law Beth (Kent) Wolcott of Whapeton, IA; brother-in-laws Jon Winslow of Milford, IA, Jon Survis of Alta; sister-in-law Michelle (Brian) Kruger of Camus, WA, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Norm was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Wendy Hogrefe; father, Martin Hogrefe; infant brother, Vernon Hogrefe; grandparents; Charles and Anna Hogrefe, John and Martha Lullman; father-in-law, Gerald Petersen; sister-in-law Bobby Winslow; nephew John and niece Lisa Hogrefe.

Norman Ernst Hogrefe

September 9, 1947 - August 12, 2013