Norman Schimke, 81, Harvey, ND died Sunday, February 8, 2015 at home in rural Harvey after a lengthy illness.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 13 at the Mennonite Brethren Church, Harvey.
Visitation will be Thursday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with prayer services at 7 p.m. at Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey.
Burial will be in Sunnyside Cemetery, Harvey, ND following the funeral service.
Norman Warren Schimke was born on April 30, 1933 to Herbert and Elfrieda (Winter) Schimke in Harvey, ND. He grew up on the family farm south of Harvey. Norman attended country school in Crystal Lake Township through grade school and received his GED in 1981. Norman farmed north of Hurdsfield. He joined the National Guard in 1957 and served for 6 years. He married Glory Ann Knuth of Drake on June 22, 1962 in Drake. Together they moved to their farm south of Harvey, where they lived for 52 years. They raised six children and provided a home for many foster children. Norman adored his wife Glory and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Norman was a life-long farmer. He loved caring for the cattle and growing crops. Even after retiring in 2007 due to physical limitations, in his heart he was always a farmer. Over the years he also had various jobs which included: driving school bus for Harvey Public Schools, working at Farmers Feed & Grain, Arthur Companies, and the FSA office.
Norman was a member of First Congregational Church in Harvey where he was involved in various areas of the church. After the church closed he became a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church of Harvey.
Norman is survived by his wife of 52 years, Glory Ann; sons, Jason (Angie) Schimke of Maple Grove, MN, Joel Schimke of Harvey, Jeffrey (Amanda) Schimke of Martin; daughters, LeAnn Schimke of Fargo, LaDawn (Terry) VanWatermulen of Watertown, MN, LaNette (Ryan) Hawthorne of West Fargo, Tami Hatfield of Harvey; 16 grandchildren; brothers, Arnold (Jan) Schimke of Bismarck, Howard (Doris) Schimke of Brillion, Wisconsin; sister Phyllis Hove of Bismarck; brother–in-law, Orlin (Marilyn) Knuth of Fargo; sister-in-law Diane Schimke of Hurdsfield; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wayne Schimke; brother-in-law, Lewis Hove; and foster son, Rick Friesen.