Norma R. Schlecht

Obituary

Norma Rosina Schlecht, formerly of Hutchinson, Minnesota died peacefully on June 8, 2025 at the Willows of Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove, Minnesota. She was 91. A gathering for friends and family will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the Elks Lodge, 720 Highway 7 in Hutchinson.

Norma was born to Philip and Emily Young on September 25, 1933, in Merricourt, North Dakota. She lived on the family farm until she graduated from Kulm High School in 1950. Norma was one of 11 children.

Norma moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota when she married Arle Wallace Schlecht on August 26, 1951, and lived with his mother, Esther McKenney for their first years of marriage. While in Aberdeen, Norma and Arle brought 2 children into their lives, Virginia “Ginny” and Arlie Jr. Shortly after, the family moved to Willmar, Minnesota where Arle purchased, owned and operated Arle’s Sinclair. During this time their third child, Lane, was born. After the birth of Lane, the family then moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota, where Arle was offered a Service Manager position at Plowman Motors, Inc. (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealership). Hutchinson is where they lived together for more than 60 years.

Norma was employed at JC Penney’s in Hutchinson. After leaving full-time employment, she continued working at JC Penney’s during the holiday season. Norma also assisted in the office of Dr. Schuft Dentistry.

Norma loved her roses and had beautiful flowers through the years. She was an avid bowler. Norma also raised canaries for a period of time. She loved the birds and hummingbirds and kept them well fed. Norma began golfing in her later years and was very consistent in hitting the ball straight down the fairway. She enjoyed going to the Elks Club on weekends and having family over for every holiday. Norma loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Emily Young; husband, Arle Schlecht; sisters, Carol Smith, Ramona Bomstad, Joyce Roepke, and Lois Hollan; brothers, Gene, Don, and Jim Young.

She is survived by her daughter, Ginny Zeyer; sons, Arlie Jr. (Kathleen) and Lane (Donna); and sisters, Linda Kunerth, Susie Lindgren (Bruce), and Ruth Buchholz. She is also survived by her grandchildren: John Charles Zeyer (Ann), Lindsay Zeyer, Matthew Schlecht, Samantha Jergenson (Troy), Mackenzie Childress (Chris), Shawn Johansen (Kayla), Tyler Johansen, Stephanie Fratzke (Jason), Amber Brick (Jesse), Cassandra Medinger; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Blessed is her memory.