The funeral service for Norman L. Sjarpe, 75, a Stewartville, Minn., resident, will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville, with Rev. Byron Meline officiating. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville. Mr. Sjarpe died on Saturday, June 10, 2017, following an illness with cancer, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, where he had been a resident for one-and-a-half days.
Norman L. Sjarpe was born on October 19, 1941, in Decorah,Iowa, to Julius and Bernice (Samuelson) Sjarpe. He moved with his family as a young boy to rural Lanesboro, Minn., where he attended school, graduating from Lanesboro High School in 1959. He was employed at Winona Industries in Winona, Minn., until beginning his employment at IBM in Rochester, Minn., in 1966. Norman was married on June 26, 1970, at the Mabel Lutheran Church in Mabel, Minn., to Beatrice A. Nelson. The couple moved to Stewartville in 1971, where they raised their children and have continued to make their home. Norman had a 31-year career at IBM and, following his retirement, would occasionally return to work part-time on specific projects. Beatrice was a homemaker and also was employed in the Stewartville School District for 25 years. Norman was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church. He enjoyed following the Twins and Vikings, watching Judge Judy, listening to country music and liked vintage cars and trucks. Norman enjoyed time spent with family and friends.
Norman is survived by his wife Beatrice, two daughters and one son: Dawn (Joe) Suntken of Elgin, Minn.; Renee (Bob) Roeder of Rochester, and Jamie (Dary) Sjarpe of Rochester; five grandchildren: Benjamin and Jacob Suntken, Ava and Josie Roeder, and Jim Vin; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gary Sjarpe.
A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from noon to the time of service at the church on Thursday afternoon. The Sjarpe Family suggests memorials go to Ronald McDonald House or Seasons Hospice, both in Rochester. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville.