Norma Cowman

Obituary

Norma Leona Cowman was born on January 15, 1942, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Walter A. and Leona (Semerau) Korngiebel. Norma was baptized as an infant at Friedens Lutheran Church in Hutchinson and was later confirmed in her faith in 1955 at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. She attended school in Hutchinson and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1960. Norma furthered her education at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics with a Minor in Interior Design.  She was a member of the Lambda Delta Phi Sorority.

On August 24, 1964, Norma was united in marriage to Richard Cowman at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. They moved to Raleigh, NC while Richard was completing a doctoral degree and later moved to Miami, FL, where they resided for 41 years.  Their marriage was blessed with two children, Gretchen and Paul. Norma was a loving mother and wife. She devoted the early years of her marriage to raising her children.  She returned to Minnesota every summer with her children to spend time with relatives. When her children were older, she took on part-time employment with Steckley Photography, where she managed orders for school photographs.  Norma enjoyed interior decorating, and the artwork and furniture in her home reflected her interests and good taste.  She enjoyed gardening in the tropical climate in Miami, bowling, playing cards with friends, and bird watching.  Norma was a devoted member of her church and was responsible for altar care at Concordia Lutheran Church in Miami.  She enjoyed traveling, and her travels included a trip to London to visit her son while he was studying abroad and a trip to Africa to visit her daughter in the Peace Corps. 

In order to be closer to family and friends in retirement, Norma and Richard moved to Hutchinson in August of 2011. They shared 48 years of marriage together until Richard passed away on February 10, 2013.  In Hutchinson Norma enjoyed attending high school reunions and spending time with her friends, neighbors, and relatives.  She continued her passion for interior decorating in her new home.  She was a devoted member of the Peace Lutheran Church.

Norma passed away Monday, April 29, 2019, at her home in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 77 years.  Blessed be her memory.

Norma is survived by her children,
Gretchen Cowman and her husband, Byron Blomquist, of Boulder, CO,
Paul Cowman of Hutchinson, MN;
and her brother, John W. Korngiebel and his wife, Dorothy, of Hutchinson, MN.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Leona Korngiebel; and her husband, Richard Cowman.