Norman L. Sieling

Norman L. Sieling, age 88, of Lake Crystal, died Monday, August 14, 2023.

A Celebration of Norman’s Life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church, Lake Crystal.  Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m., Saturday at the church.  Private family interment will be in Lake Crystal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to MN FFA Foundation, Zion Lutheran Building Fund, or Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center.

Lake Crystal Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Norman was born May 26, 1935, to Walter H. and Wilhelmina “Minnie” E. (Janke) Sieling in Perham Township, Otter Tail County, Minnesota.  He attended a township school until 8^th grade and then Perham High School where he graduated in 1953.  He attended Concordia College in Moorhead for one year, then completed his education at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1958.

He started teaching at Lake Crystal High School in the fall of 1958. There, Norman met a young Physical Education teacher who became his soulmate, Linnea R. Peterson. The couple wed August 23, 1959, at Faith Lutheran Church, Sturgeon Lake. Linnea’s father performed the ceremony. They were blessed with five children, Laurie, Jay, Jeff, Scott and Jodi.

Norm was a teacher. He taught vocational agriculture at Lake Crystal for 39 years, then mentored  new ag educators for another 11 years. He also taught environmental science. He taught golf lessons for community education. Norm was a lifelong learner and educator. He lead by example. His lifetime lesson plan is summed up in the Fruits of the Spirit.

Norman taught Love, Joy, and Peace. He and Linnea loved each other dearly. Their union was a great example to their children and others. He was joyful, quick with a smile or a wink, and loved to laugh and tease. He exhibited peace in raising kids and grandkids, in dealing with Linnea’s illness, and his own travails. Rarely complaining and only raising his voice in song.

Norm taught Patience, Kindness, Goodness. He was not anxious, knowing the lord provides and things work for the best. He was kind and good to friends and neighbors and strangers. He enjoyed the company and camaraderie of his coffee crew.

Norman taught Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Corliss Township. His faith was unwavering during Linnea’s illness, and even when faced with his own mortality. He was gentle, especially when correcting mistakes, or pointing out errors. He lived humbly without excess or deficit.

Norman was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Lake Crystal Lion’s Club, Lake Crystal Jaycee’s,

Norm enjoyed golfing, carding two aces and scoring his age for 18 holes in his mid seventies. He enjoyed traveling with Linnea to Europe, Hawaii, California, Las Vegas, Florida, Ontario, and to many golf courses throughout the state. Later he went on wonderful trips with his children to Alaska, Chicago, Fort Meyers, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Washington DC, Dallas, the Bahamas.

Norman enjoyed going for a good walk or a Sunday drive. He was a strong supporter and frequent user of the Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center. He subscribed to and read several newspapers. He faithfully kept track of rainfall for many years.

Norm was an avid sports fan, watching his own children and grandchildren competing in various activities. As a U of MN alumnus he was a fan of all Gopher sports, especially football. He was a longtime season ticket holder for Gopher Football. Through the Lions Club, he volunteered to usher at Mankato Maverick basketball games and other events. As a baseball playing kid at heart and a twin, he really loved the MN Twins. On occasion he attended spring training and other games, but always tried to watch or listen to the broadcasts.

Norman will be greatly missed by his five children and 14 grandchildren: Laurie (Tony) Jacobs of Lake Crystal and children, Erik (Ally), Brian, and Mark Jacobs; Jay (Debbie Dittberner) Sieling of Alexandria and children, Emma (Colin) Erickson, William, and Juliana (Britta Rinke) Sieling; Jeff (Katie Barker) Sieling of Woodbury, and children, Alex (Heather) and Ellyn Barker, Aaron and Elliott Sieling; Scott (Deb) Sieling of Bloomington and children, Cassie and Ellie Sieling; Jodi (Matt) Nilsen of Edina and children, Macy and Hayley Nilsen; three great-grandchildren, Finn and Archer Erickson, Jordan Barker; sister, Caroline Walz of Eveleth; sister-in-law, Loretta Sieling of Perham; nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Linnea in 2012; infant brother, Lloyd, brothers, Arlin (Elaine) and Floyd; twin sister, Norleen (Herb) Schmidt; brother-in-law, Alois Walz; nephew, David Schmidt; great-nephew, Davin Bauck; nephew’s wife, Deb (Mrs. Robert) Sieling.