Norma O. Fiedler

Norma O. Fiedler, 91, Bismarck, died September 27, 2003, at a Bismarck care center. Funeral services will be Thursday at 2:00 PM at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center Chapel in Bismarck. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Minot. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 - 9 PM and Wednesday from 9 AM - 9 PM at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck. Norma Osmon was born on October 28, 1911, in Ryder, North Dakota, in McLean County, the only child of Fred and Ida Osman. She attended school in Ryder and graduated from Ryder High School. She then attended Minot Teacher's College and received her teaching degree. She taught schools in Ward County for a number of years. Later, Norma worked for the North Dakota Farmers Union. She was the state's first Farmers Union field worker and traveled all over the state. She also worked for the State Tax Commissioner's office under Byron Dorgan. Norma married Walter R. Fiedler on September 29, 1940. Walter and Norma took over her father's homestead in 1942. Their ranch was known as "Blue Hill Ranch" in McLean County. They ranched and farmed for 37 years from 1942 - 1979. They raised registered Hampshire Hogs, Hereford Cattle, and small grains. Walt and Norma were both employed in state government positions from 1965 to 1973. During that time, they had a ranch manager and family run the farming business while they kept active on the weekends and in advisory positions in farming interests. Norma and her husband were very active in local and community politics and state affairs. They were among the people who helped write North Dakota history. Norma was named Mrs. Democrat of the year during her lifetime. They were members of First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck. They retired from ranching in 1979 and moved to the Plaza Towers Condo. She was a promoter of education and provided scholarships for worthy students along with her husband. Walt and Norma generously provided funds in the form of donations for scholarships and college advancements to Bismarck State College. Their gift helped in the remodeling of Schafer Hall. They also sponsored the Lewis and Clark Foundation in Washburn, North Dakota. Norma is survived by three sisters-in-law, Irene Frieboes of Bismarck, Helen Erickson of Conrad, Montana, and Norma E. Fiedler of Wilsonville, Oregon; her cousin, Al Koppang; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter on March 7, 2002, and her parents, Fred and Ida Osmon.

Norma O. Fiedler

October 28, 1911 - September 27, 2003