Ellis Eugene Norman

Ellis Eugene Norman, age 85, lifelong Lake Crystal resident, died Thursday, February 2, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Health System – Mankato.

A Celebration of Ellis' "Al" Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 980 S. Main St., Lake Crystal.  Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday with a 7 p.m. Masonic Service at Cornerstone United Methodist Church.  Private family interment will be in Lake Crystal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Cornerstone United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice. Lake Crystal Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ellis was born April 20, 1931 to Lee Ray and Rosella Mary (Stangler) Norman in Lake Crystal.  He graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1949.  Ellis was united in marriage to Mary Ann Croswell on April 9, 1950 in Judson Township, Blue Earth County at the bride’s parent’s home.  Ellis was a farmer for many years, he then was employed at Crysteel for 11 years and later Mankato State University for 8 years before retiring.  Ellis was a lifelong member of the Lake Crystal Cornerstone United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer, committee member, and was janitor for over 25 years.  He was a member of the Bethel Masonic Lodge No. 103 of Lake Crystal for 53 years, 4-H member and leader for several years, and was a host family for the AFS – Exchange student program. He was a volunteer for several organizations including being a VINE driver and especially the GRACE Thrift Store in Lake Crystal. He loved playing cards and enjoyed all sports, especially playing and umpiring baseball.

Ellis is survived by his wife of over 66 years, Mary Ann of Lake Crystal; five children, Jean (Tim) Wilson of Chanhassen, Jack (Deb) Norman of Elysian, Carol (Dave) Reedstrom of Mankato, Dennis (Judy) Norman of Prior Lake, and David Norman of Brunswick, Maryland; AFS student, Ivo (Pam) Bemelmans of Lutz, Florida; 10 grandchildren, Ben (Natalie) Peine, Erin (Kevin) Harryman, Kendall Norman, Katie Norman, Vicki Reedstrom, Drew Reedstrom, Kyle (Jess) Reedstrom, Jessica (Eric) Hafemeyer, Kellie (Aaron) Koch, Lindsay (Matt) Gergen; 19 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Florence Norman of West Concord, Maxine Norman of Lake Crystal, and Kathleen Croswell of North Mankato; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ellis was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, George Norman and Willys Norman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leighton and Esther Croswell; brother-in-law, John Croswell; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Alun Thomas.