Norma Knox
March 18, 1922 ~ August 4, 2008
Knox, 86, of Highmore, passed away Monday, August 4, 2008 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.
Funeral services were 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 8, 2008 at the United Methodist Church, Highmore with Rev. Martin Earl officiating. Burial was at 3:00 p.m., Friday at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Gregory. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 7 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the Luze Funeral Home in Highmore.
Norma Louise Graesser was born March 18, 1922 to Thomas and Neta (Stoltenberg) Graesser at their prairie farm home in Gregory County, SD. She began her elementary education in Gregory County and completed it in Tripp County when her family moved to their farm home south of Paxton, SD. Her first year of high school was at Dallas High School and she graduated from Gregory High School in 1940.
On January 11, 1940, Norma married her high school sweetheart, William Knox. To this loving union three children were born: Richard, Gerald, and Carol. Norma and Bill’s first home was a “wind-swept shanty” on the prairie near her parents’ home south of Paxton. Norma referred to this home as “Pumpkin Center.” Later Norma and Bill moved to the Dixon area and she was baptized at the Baptist Church in Burke, SD. While living in the Dixon community, Norma was an active member of the Baptist Church and was church treasurer and a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed being a member of the Dixon Dudes and Dolls Square Dance Club, Farmer’s Union, Cheerios Women’s Club, and a supporter of 4-H and all community activities.
In the spring of 1958, Norma and Bill moved to south Hyde County, Highmore, SD to a larger farm/ranch operation. It was there in 1967 they built a new home and resided.
Norma enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends, bowling, ceramics, creating beautiful embroidery work, traveling, and gardening. She and Bill toured 49 states and the road always led her home with souvenirs for everyone. Her greatest passion was gardening. Each year she challenged the soil to produce the biggest fruits and vegetables and graciously shared them with family and friends. The coffee pot was always on when friends and family stopped by. If you happened to stop at mealtime, an extra plate was always set and an invitation to share her bounty was extended to everyone.
Norma was a “Mother’s nurture in the garden of life,” a loving and devoted wife to her husband of 68 years. Each member of her family was a precious flower whom she tended and cared for. Her love for family and friends never stopped growing; the truest friend we’ve ever had.
Norma’s memory will be cherished by her husband, William of Highmore; sons: Richard (Bernadette) Knox of Highmore and Gerald (Doris) Knox of Highmore; daughter, Carol (Reid) Huber of Pierre; brother, Walt (Arlene) Graesser of Gregory; sister, Gladys (Jim) Harder of Winner; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and two foster great-grandchildren.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Myra Stukel; and an infant grandson.
Pallbearers were Paul Knox, Aaron Knox, Jesse Knox, Dan Knox, Doug Knox, Brent Novotny and Chris Novotny.
Honorary Pallbearers were all of Norma's Family and Friends.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Norma's arrangements.
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You are in prayers and thoughts. Norma had a pioneer spirit. I know she will be missed dearly, but I encourage you to relish the many good memories.
Fr. Dave Axtmann
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed even the few words we exchanged when I would run into her and Bernadette here in Pierre. She is a part of the old neighborhood and will be missed.
Betty
My sympathy to all of the families and especially to Gary,and my cousin, Doris and their children. May God bless and keep you in His care at this time. My thoughts are with you. Phyllis Wise
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time of loss. We thought a lot of Norma, and enjoyed visiting with her when we were at Dick and Bernie’s.
Sincerely, Gene and Audrey
To the Knox family,
My thoughts and prayers are with your families as you celebrate the life of Norma and as you cherish your many wonderful memories of her.
I got to know “Grandma Norma” when Dick & Bernadette would host 4-H meetings and other parties for the neighbors. What a great lady! My deepest sympathies to her family.
To a wonderful Grandmother, who can now unveil her angel wings:
I write these words with a heavy heart, yet I find comfort that I will see you again one day. For now, I hold many cherished memories of you in my heart that have been bestowed there forever.
Thank you for your love, hugs, kisses, everlasting support, and kind words. You never waivered in your love for us. Grandma, you were always there…and for that, I am thankful. I am thankful that I was chosen by Him to be your granddaughter. You were an absolute gift to us all.
Until we see each other again,
Love Always,
Jolene
We extend our love, prayers, and sympathy to the entire Knox family.
Dick and Bernadette-We know how much you treasured the years you had your mom. She was blessed to have you living so near, and you were blessed in return. Joe & Evie Nemec
Are love and prayers to all.
With love
Joe Stukel
Kathy Stukel & Family
Robert Stukel
Grace (Stukel)Ridders
Margaret Stukel
Dear Knox Family,
Please accept our condolences at this time. I know that losing a loved one is one of the most difficult parts of life. I can understand from what Jolene has said about her grandmother and by reading the obituary, what a loving person she was. You will always have her in your hearts. Those memories will become more precious as the years so by.
Sincerely,
Bob and Kristi
Just a note to tell you my thoughts and prayers are with you all and I am with you in spirit if not in person. I know what y0u are feeling Bill and it will take time and it will not go away over night. o STIOLL FREAM OF gENE AND EXPECT HIM TO COME HOME ALL THE TIME SO LET YOUR SELF MOURN DONOTBE AFRAID TO LET TEARS FLOW AND REMEMBER IF YOU EVER NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO I AM HERE.ILOVE YOU DEAR BROTHER IN LAW AND MY NIECE AND NEPHEWS AND THEIR FAMILIES TOO. BLESS YOU ALL AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH AT THIS TIME..NORMA IS AT PEACE NOW AND MAYBE SHE AND GENE ARE LOOKING DOWN ON US RIGHT NOW. GOD BLESS YOU BARBARA
Dear Knox Family – Our prayers have been with you since we heard the news of Aunt Norma’s passing. My thoughts have been on how important of a person Aunt Norma was in my life and how much I will miss her. I can’t even imagine how deep your feeling of loss is.
I marvel at what Aunt Norma and Uncle Bill have accomplishd in their life time. Together their lives have been a true American success story. Aunt Norma was a wonderful person and we will miss her.
I hope all your pleasant memories have helped you through a difficult time.
God bless the Knox family.