Norman Townsend

Services for Norman Townsend, 85, of Andover will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 9th at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Groton.  Rev. Charlie Bunk will officiate.  Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Aberdeen under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton.

Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m.

Norman passed away March 2, 2020 at his home.

Norman Howard was born on June 28, 1934 in rural Pierpont to Howard and Marie (Torguson) Townsend.  He attended and graduated from Pierpont High School.  Norman enlisted in the US Army in November of 1955 and was honorably discharged in November of 1957.  He returned home and worked for several years hauling gravel for Stanton Hammer.  Norman was also employed at the local filling station in Pierpont. On May 6, 1962 he was united in marriage with Doris Hauck in Aberdeen.  Together they farmed side by side for 55 years.

Norman was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Groton.  He was also a member of Eastern Star Diana Chapter #83 and served many roles in the OES Grand Family.  Norman began as a Mason in the Pierpont Veritas #196, later transferring to Andover Corinthian #82 and more recently, Groton #65.  In earlier years, he enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and enjoyed many trail rides as a member of the Silver Spurs Saddle Club.  Together, he and Doris took many bus trips and enjoyed meeting new friends along the way. 

Norman made it a priority to attend as many lutefisk suppers as he could and more importantly, he enjoyed the company and conversation of others.   One of his greatest joys was his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He always enjoyed hearing about their many activities and adventures. 

Celebrating his life are his children, Brian Townsend of Brookings, Dean (Kellie) Townsend of Andover, Jane (Wade) Gubrud of Gary and Gaylon (Nichol) Townsend of Warner, nine grandchildren: Kayla (Jordan) Martens, Collin Townsend, Cassandra & Travis Townsend, Grant, Kaitlyn and Nolan Gubrud, Colton and Kya Townsend, three great-grandchildren, Rylee, Owen and Mya Martens.  Norman is also survived by his sisters, Dee Herrick of California, Velma (Mel) Pibal of Minnesota, sister-in-law, Marjorie Townsend and brother-in-law, Luke Auen.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, one brother, Russell, two sisters, Anna Lou Auen, Elaine (Harold) Herr, and brother-in-law, Robert Herrick.

Casketbearers will be Norman’s grandchildren.

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