Norma M. Skramstad

Norma M. (Armentrout) Skramstad passed away peacefully after 96 years on Friday, September 14, 2018 at Eventide Heartland in Devils Lake, ND in the loving care of her family. Norma always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye and had a way of making everyone feel special. 

Norma M. (Armentrout) Skramstad passed away peacefully after 96 years on Friday, September 14, 2018 at Eventide Heartland in Devils Lake, ND in the loving care of her family. Norma always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye and had a way of making everyone feel special. 

Norma Mae, daughter of Charles and Evelyn (Rice) Armentrout, was born on January 12, 1922 in Rolette, ND. She graduated high school and attended Mayville Colllege for a year. 

Norma was united in marriage to Arthur Skramstad on February 10, 1943 in Starkweather, ND. They established their home on a farm 8 ½ miles west of Devils Lake and for the next 70 years they would live, work side by side, and raise five children together.  She spent her life as a homemaker, devoted mother, grandmother and wife, and as a lifelong learner.  Norma was a welcoming person who believed you never met a stranger.  She brought people together and created a sense of community and family wherever she went.  She was an active and generous member of her community and enjoyed her memberships with the Garden Club, VFW Auxiliary, bowling league and was a lifelong groupie of the Elks Band, as Art was a member, and she was part of a friendship group called Birthday Club. 

Norma was an exceptional cook and avid baker; she loved hosting and bringing people together around food. She looked forward to the holidays spending time and cooking for all her family, making sure to include all of their favorites; no one left her house hungry. 

Norma had a playful but competitive spirit and enjoyed playing games, especially cards; you might call her a card shark. She was a gracious loser (not). Norma was adventurous, always looking to learn and experience more in life and looked forward to traveling around the world, having new experiences with family and friends. She had a keen sense of fashion and was known for always looking her best. 

Norma had an adventurous and playful spirit that we will miss very much but are thankful for the many years of her overflowing love and laughter, tasting her baking, and her sharp wit and ability to keep everyone on their toes. She was a committed wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and friend and imparted a sense of family and community that we will all continue to cherish. 

Norma’s family would like to thank her caregivers at Eventide for the love, kindness and devotion they showed to Norma. They became family as well.

Norma is survived by her children Waneen (Patrick) Stout of Macomb, IL, Sheila (Rich) Windjue of Devils Lake, Denise (Perry) Garske of Devils Lake, Blair Skramstad of Des Moines, IA and Lesa Kraft of Devils Lake; twelve grandchildren Darcy (Tim) VanderMeersch, Lewisville, NC, Lane (Laura) Liudahl, Holmen, WI, Kirsten (Tim) Morris, Chicago, IL, Vickie (Josh) Cofer, Dickinson, ND, Janelle (Scott) Kisow, Orange, CA, Shane Garske and Nathan (Kim) Garske both of Fargo, ND, Cari Garske, Devils Lake, Bethany (T.J.) Kraushaar, Fargo, Savannah Kraft, Texarkana, TX, Sierra Kraft, New York City, NY and Sadie (Nick) Becher, Fargo; eighteen great grandchildren; Norma’s sister Dolores Common, Grand Forks, ND and sisters-in-law Mary Beth Armentrout and Delores Armentrout.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband Art; parents Charles and Evelyn; siblings Darrell, Norris, Harold and Howard Armentrout; grandson Shawn Liudahl.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home with Reverend Reuben Schnaidt officiating. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. 

A Time of Remembrance and Service will be held at Eventide Heartland on Friday, September 21, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be on Friday, September 21^st at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. 

Norma’s grandchildren Darcy VanderMeersch, Vickie Cofer, Shane Garske, Nathan Garske, Janelle Kisow, Lane Liudahl, Kirsten Morris, Beth Kraushaar, Cari Garske, Savannah Kraft, Sierra Kraft and Sadie Becher will serve as Casket Bearers. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Norma’s life.