Norma Brown

Norma Jean Brown, 82, passed away November 19, 2020 in Mankato.

A private graveside service will be held at Glenwood Cemetery in Mankato. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family.

Norma was born August 22, 1938 to Winfield J. “Toby” and Clara (Hattrem) Brown in Mankato. She graduated from Mankato High School in 1956, and continued her education at Mankato State College. Norma taught as an elementary teacher in Forest Lake, Hinckley and Red Wing. She then returned to Mankato State University to earn a Masters of Arts in Library Science. She worked at the Bethany Lutheran College library in Mankato and retired as the head librarian in the early 2000s.

Norma loved reading and was most comfortable surrounded by books. She especially enjoyed researching family genealogy. She moved to New Perspective Senior Living in 2013, where she became a part of the writers group.  Her lunch dates and friendships within the retired “Library Ladies” group from Bethany were also important to her.

Norma is survived by her son, Michael (Holly) Brown of New Jersey; grandson, Lachlan Brown; siblings, Joann Rash of Corpus Christi, Texas, Lynne Rimmer of Ocklawaha, Florida, and Gary (Janice) Brown of Waseca; a niece and four nephews; a great-niece and several great-nephews; and a great-great niece and great-great nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers-in-law, Lloyd Rash and Barry Rimmer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Library at Bethany Lutheran College.