Norman Edwards

Norman Andrew Edwards, 94, passed away on October 27th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at the Good Samaritan Home in Battle Lake, Minnesota, under the care of Vivie Hospice. 

Norman was born October 20, 1931, in Sabin Minnesota, to Andrew and Theresa (Poehls) Edwards. He was the eldest of 4 children. Norman lived and grew up on a farm. He learned at an early age what work ethic was and how to help provide for his family. He was planting the fields at age 8, due to his older cousins getting drafted for WWII and his father falling ill. At age 15, he was driving milk truck for Cass-Clay Creamery. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1950, and in 1951, Norman enlisted in the US Army. He served on the front lines in the Korean War earning 2 Bronze Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. Norman was honorably discharged in 1954. 

One evening coming home from the roller rink, Norman met Suzanne Arneson. They started a courtship while Norman was still in the Army. The two were married on February 20, 1954 at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. The couple was blessed with 7 children- Alan, Mark, Sheila, Sonja, Paul, Eric and Heidi. 

After Norman and Suzanne were married and being a man of a strong work ethic and determination, Norman started college at NDSU. During that time, the nights were long and money was short, but Norman always made sure his wife and children were provided for. He would be up late at night studying while holding 2 and 3 kids on his lap. He took extra credits to graduate early with a Bachelor’s Degree in pharmacy. Norman would go on to be a successful pharmacist, owning drug stores in Wanamingo, Zumbrota, and Perham. Norman was a big supporter of the local schools and his community, helping assemble the committee that built the Wanamingo pool. He took care of his "people”, filling, then personally delivering medications to his customers even after hours. 

Norman wasn’t all work- he and Suzanne purchased a summer cabin on Little McDonald Lake where many memories were made with their children. He enjoyed making chocolate malts, popcorn with too much butter, potato pancakes and donuts for his children and grandchildren. He was an avid water skier, being out on the water well into his 70’s. Norman and Suzanne would eventually become snowbirds and go to Arizona or Texas for the colder months. 

Family was very important to him, as you would often hear him say “I am so blessed to have such a big family around me”. He always talked proudly of his children and grandchildren. Norman will be known as “A caring man who cared for so many”. He will forever be missed.

Norman is survived by his children, Alan (Linda) Edwards, Mark (Diane) Edwards, Paul (LeAnn) Edwards, Eric (Teresa) Edwards, Sonja Devine, and Heidi (Wes) Hull; sisters, Barb Breiland, Shirley Fugelstad; 19 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Theresa; beloved wife, Suzanne; daughter, Sheila; grandson, Christopher; and brother, Curtis.

Norman's memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at First Lutheran Church of Battle Lake. There will be a visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at Fort Snelling at a later date.