Norman Kohlmeyer

Norman Richard Kohlmeyer went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday March 14, 2023. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Lillian. Four children; Terry (Patty) Aukes, Tim (Nancy) Aukes, Michelle (Jose) Mendoza and Staci (Bill) Thompson. Ten grandchildren; Taylor Aukes-Thompson, Olivia (Doug) Collins, Emily Aukes, Kara (Andy) Ristau, Anthony (Missy) Aukes, Andy (Katie) Aukes, Stephanie Huston, Morgan Peters, Jordan (Kayla) Huston and Danica Huston, 13 great grandchildren, his sister Lois Kohlmeyer and his beloved dog, Freddie the Freeloader.

Norm was born in the old hospital in Blue Earth, right across the street from where Patton Funeral Home used to stand. Norm wasn't too happy when Patton's built a new funeral home and moved across town, because he wanted to say his life's journey only took him across the street.

But his life's journey took him so much further than that. Always a farmer, his earliest memories are of milking cows and working in the sheep fold with his dad. He loved to farm and couldn't imagine doing anything else with his life.

Norm had many talents, some of which weren't widely known. In high school, he was the State Champion Horse Shoe Pitcher at the Minnesota State Fair, competing with his FFA club. He also enjoyed watching Golden Glove boxing matches in his youth.

After graduating from Blue Earth High School in 1960, he spent the next four years studying Agriculture at South Dakota State University. He was proud to be a Jackrabbit.

After college graduation, his country called him to service, and he spent the next two years in the United States Army. Norm's service to the United States was very important to him and he was an extremely proud veteran.

Never an idle man, when it wasn't time to be in the field, he was caring for his livestock and tinkering around the farm. He always had a huge garden, filled with tomtoes and other fruits and vegetables. He loved fresh tomatoes!

Green Giant, now known as Seneca, was also a large part of his life. Starting in high school, and right up to a few years ago, he was employed by them in some fashion, whether it was summer help, driving the silage trucks or providing day off relief, he spent over 60 years of his life working there.

His true love was his wife and family. When he and Lillian married, he absorbed her four children into his life. He loved to go fishing with Lillian and his son-in-law Bill. Many weeks were spent at the Pioneer Resort north of Bemidji, where Norm and Lillian's happiest times were spent in their retirement.

The Lord was his driving force, and he was active in both Salem United Methodist Church (now Hope UMC) and the Kimberling City United Methodist Church, where Norm and Lillian spent many winters in their retirement. He served the church by singing in the choir, as head usher, offering counter and greeter. He loved old Gospel hymns and often asked to hear "the old songs". Norm was also a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion.

Norm’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday March 25, 11AM at Hope United Methodist Church in Blue Earth with visitation one hour prior to the service and Friday March 24 from 4-6PM at Patton Funeral Home.

Norm is preceded in death by his parents, Norman Kenneth and Ruth Kolmeyer, sister Ruthanne Kohlmeyer and brother Jon Kohlmeyer.