Norma Muriel Bratberg

Norma Muriel Bratberg, 94, of Rushford, Minn. died on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford.

Norma was born on May 20, 1920, in Norway Township of Fillmore County, Minn. to Oscar and Amelia (Tompte) Norma. She was raised in Norway Township and attended the Flattum School through the 8th grade. Norma was baptized and confi rmed at the First Lutheran Church of Highland in Highland, Minn. She worked as a housekeeper in Rushford for a couple of years. On March 17, 1937, she married Melvin Bratberg. She and Melvin farmed in the Bratsberg, Minn. area until they retired from farming in 1983, and moved to Rushford. Norma also worked as a home health aide for Fillmore County for many years. She did domestic work and childcare for the Roger Colbenson family in Rushford. She was a member of Highland Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Peterson where she was active in the ladies groups. In her spare time Norma enjoyed rosemaling, quilting, embroidery, crafts, and other handy-work. She absolutely adored her grandchildren.

Norma is survived by two children: Betty Olness of Stewartville, and Merlin (Ellen) Bratberg of Plainview, Minn.; seven grandchildren; 27 greatgrandchildren; six great-greatgrandchildren; and one sister,
Doris Beissert of East Bernard, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers: Palmer and Orrin Gravos, and one sister, Edna Fossum.

The funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church in Rushford with the Rev. Marrie Anderson officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Friends called
from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Norma’s family prefers memorials to be directed to Highland Prairie Lutheran Church.

Leave a memory of Norma and sign her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com