Norma Stuhlmiller

Norma R. Stuhlmiller, 78, Bismarck, went to her permanent home with Jesus on August 29, 2009, after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Century Baptist Church in Bismarck with Rev. Alan Steier officiating. Burial will be at the ND Veterans’ Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Eastgate Funeral Service in Bismarck, where family will be greeting visitors from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Norma R. Whipple was born on July 17, 1931, in Chaseley, ND, the youngest of 12 children of Eva and Louis Whipple. The family farmed in the Chaseley area for many years. During her high school years, Norma moved to Dickinson, ND, to complete her education and graduated from Model High School in Dickinson. While there, she met her husband and life partner, Norman E. Stuhlmiller. They were married on December 28, 1949, in Dickinson. They moved to Killdeer where Norman was employed as a music and English teacher. Norman’s teaching career moved them to Wishek, Garrison, California, and back to Devils Lake, ND. While in Devils Lake, Norma continued her college education and completed a bachelor’s degree from UND in elementary education. She taught for the Devils Lake school system until her retirement in 1989. The couple then moved to Bismarck to be closer to their grandchildren. Norma’s passion in life was children and she often stated that she was the happiest when she was with them. This was evident by her successful career, the love and care she gave so freely to her granddaughters, and other children she had the privilege to know. Norma was patriotic and loved her country, and was proud to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Bismarck. She also enjoyed quilting and sewing, creating many items for others over the years. Her friends from church were also very important to her. Norma is survived by one son, Malcolm of Minneapolis, MN; two daughters, Sally Dan Eyring of Watertown, MA, and Joyce Mark Biel of Bismarck; two granddaughters, Kara Brian Kniert of Owatonna, MN, and Mari Biel of Bismarck; and one sister, Irene Arnold of Laguna Niguel, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; her parents; three brothers, Floyd, Charles, and Clarence; six sisters, Dorothy Sukut, Leora Mellon, Hazel Barkley, Gwendolyn Whipple, Iris Neuharth, and Ella Lawrence; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2025 E. River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414. We love you Mom and Grandma and look forward to our reunion with you in Heaven.

Norma Stuhlmiller

July 17, 1931 - August 29, 2009