Norma L. Buholz

Obituary

She was born on July 5, 1923, on the homesteaded family farm in Otrey Township near Ortonville, Minnesota, and lived a long and meaningful life rooted in love, faith, family, and quiet strength. She attended a rural elementary school, graduated from Ortonville High School, and earned a degree in music from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota—a reflection of her deep and enduring passion for music and education.

After college, Norma began her teaching career in Akron, Iowa, where she taught K–12 elementary, vocal, and instrumental music. She married her high school sweetheart, Duane E. Buholz, and together they built a life grounded in love and service. They eventually settled in Brookings, South Dakota, where Duane served as administrator of the Brookings Medical Clinic.

In Brookings, Norma continued to share her musical gifts by directing choirs for many years at First Lutheran Church. She was driven to excellence in directing by the many, many enthusiastic and capable singers she had the joy of working with. A woman of steadfast faith, she was also deeply involved in a multitude of church groups and committees, always willing to lead, serve, and support wherever needed. She was active in community organizations, including the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Aeolian Music Club, Sons of Norway, and several local book clubs.

Norma was known for her gentle spirit, deep compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family. She held high expectations for herself and her family, encouraging integrity, curiosity, and a drive to always do one’s best. She was admired for her creativity, boundless energy, and remarkable ability to organize and lead with grace and purpose. A lifelong learner and avid reader, her books were famously filled with underlined passages and thoughtful notes in the margins. She also found great joy in the outdoors and animals, especially horses. For many years, she enjoyed raising and assisting in showing half-Arabian horses with her family.

She cherished and appreciated her many friends, maintaining close and meaningful relationships throughout her life.

After Duane’s retirement, Norma and Duane moved to Northfield, Minnesota, and spent many winters in Sun City West, Arizona. Together, they traveled extensively throughout Europe, creating cherished memories and deepening their love of culture, history, and each other.

She is survived by her children: Steven (Vicki) Buholz, Holly (Richard) Corrick, and Daniel Buholz; grandchildren: Walter (Beth) Cassidy, Mark (Stephanie) Buholz, Kathryn (Gabe) Dennison, Kelsey Corrick, and Scott (Megan) Corrick; and great-grandchildren: Jack Cassidy, Ainsley Buholz, Blake and Dylan Dennison, Rosemary Corrick, and Wynn Corrick.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Duane E. Buholz; her infant brothers, Morris, Gerald, and John Olson; and her parents, Oscar Olson and Esther (Hanson) Olson.

Norma’s legacy of love, music, faith, learning, creativity, and quiet determination will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.