Norma M. Harer

Norma M. Harer, 94, of Gettysburg joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Friday, April 3, 2026, at Avera Missouri River Hospital, Gettysburg.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Gettysburg, with Rev. David Otten presiding. Burial will follow in Pembroke Cemetery, rural Hoven. Visitation will be one-hour prior to the servivce.

Norma Maxine Hockesson was born June 15, 1931, in Gettysburg, South Dakota, to Tellof and Beulah (Thompson) Hockesson. She received her education in Gettysburg, SD and Portland, OR.

Norma married Donald Harer in 1947, and they made their home in Arena Township. In March 1971, they began operating a bed and breakfast, where they delighted in hosting guests from near and far, including many from foreign countries. Together, they were blessed with five children: Randy, Kathy, Richard, Kent, and David.

Norma was very active in the American Cancer Society, where she served as a state director and received several national awards. She also appeared on KELOLAND TV in a question-and-answer program, explaining the importance of a national survey conducted by the organization.

She was a devoted member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Gettysburg and served in many roles, including secretary of LWML. She was active in the gift nook, wedding committee, and altar guild, and taught Sunday School for many years. Norma also served as a leader for the LYF youth group and Vacation Bible School.

Norma gave generously of her time to her community. She was a member of the Gray Ladies and Hospice of Potter County, a 4-H leader, and a longtime judge at the Potter County Fair. She was also a member of the Hoven and Gettysburg country clubs. After achieving a hole-in-one, Norma proudly retired her golf clubs.

She worked at a clothing store, three floral shops, and a jewelry store, often saying she never had a job she didn’t enjoy. For many years, she organized “Coats for Kids” and delivered them to Aberdeen for distribution.

Norma volunteered and later worked at Oahe Manor Nursing Home in activities for 14 years. During that time, she led vespers and prayer services for residents. She loved the residents deeply and considered them very special.

After retiring, Norma remained active in two Bible study groups, continued serving as LWML secretary, and enjoyed playing dominoes and pinochle. She also called bingo for Villa residents for six years and was a member of the Medicine Rock Senior Center. She enjoyed gardening and won many awards for her flowers. Norma also loved baking and sharing her treats with others.

Norma’s life will be cherished by her children: Randy (Pat) Harer of Gettysburg; Kathy (Rory) Haar of Watertown; Richard (Brenda) Harer of Woodland Hills, California; Kent (Nilva) Harer of Grapevine, Texas; and David (Nora) Harer of Mantorville, Minnesota; 31 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Norma S. Harer; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; her siblings, Gerry Gunsalas, Peggy Permann, and Mary Lou Moore; infant sister, Deloris Hockesson; her daughter-in-law, Janie Harer; and her grandson, Charlie Harer.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Norma’s arrangements.