Reverend Norman A. Sifferath

Obituary

     Reverend Norman A. Sifferath was born on November 1, 1933, in Round Grove Township, McLeod County, Minnesota, the son of William and Emilie (Bartels) Sifferath. Norman was baptized on November 26, 1933, and was later confirmed in his faith on July 6, 1947, both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota. He grew up in rural Winthrop, Minnesota, and attended country school in District #52 until the 6^th grade. Norman was a graduate of the Buffalo Lake High School Class of 1951. He furthered his education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Afterwards he attended Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa; he graduated and was ordained in 1959.

     His first call was to a two-point parish in Wisconsin, Cicero Lutheran in rural Black Creek and St. Mark’s Lutheran in Navarino. St. Mark’s was eventually realigned and the second congregation was Our Savior’s Lutheran in rural Pulaski. Norman next served at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Stanley, Wisconsin. He was called to a two-point parish in rural Montevideo, Jevnaker Lutheran and Mandt Lutheran, and served there until his retirement.  Upon retirement, he joined St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, where he remained a member until his death. 

     During his lifetime, he had a number of interests. He was an avid stamp and coin collector, enjoyed photography, and winemaking. He enjoyed flying and was a licensed pilot. As an accomplished woodworker, Norman created many beautiful pieces for family members. He enjoyed listening to music and playing the organ. He also loved technology and spent many hours on his computer converting his music into a digital format, as is evidenced by his massive music files.  At his residence at Prince of Peace Retirement Living, he enjoyed competing in the wii bowling league – he even scored a perfect 300 game! He also enjoyed puzzles, but most of all he enjoyed the time he spent with his family.

     Norman passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at the Hutchinson Health Hospital in Hutchinson, Minnesota at the age of 81 years. Blessed be his memory.

Norman is survived by his:

Brother, Gary Sifferath and his wife Nancy of Burnsville, MN;

Nephews, Tim Sifferath and his fiancée Tammy Ronning of Hutchinson, MN, Gordy Sifferath of Eagan, MN, Guy Sifferath and his wife Sheila of Grand Marais, MN;                

Niece, Mary Coy and her husband Ken of Inver Grove Heights, MN;

Sister-In-Law, LaVon Sifferath of Stewart, MN;

many Great-nieces and Great-nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents William and Emilie Sifferath, his stepmother Irene Sifferath, and brother Lloyd Sifferath.