Norma Schmalz was born in June of 1930 to Roy and Ruth Twait in Windom, Minnesota. Norma's early years were spent on a farm. Her education began in a one-room country school. As a girl, she participated in 4H and liked to show her sheep at fairs, as far away as Chicago. Her family eventually moved to town where Norma continued her education and graduated from Windom Public Schools. On New Year's Eve, 1949, Norma married Eugene Schmalz. Their marriage was blessed with four children, David, Michael, Mark, and Stephanie. Norma and Gene lived in Westbrook, Storden and Butterfield before eventually settling in Windom. Norma helped her husband establish a successful contracting business while raising her young children. When her kids got older she became a librarian for the Windom Schools. She particularly enjoyed reading to young children and helping them discover the world of books. In later years, Norma and Gene spent many winters in Mission, Texas. Norma passed away peacefully on April 25, 2022, at St. Benedict's in Monticello, MN at the age of 91 years. Norma was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She remained a life-long member of the American Lutheran Church where she attended the five o'clock service on most Saturday afternoons. Norma was very active and enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, bowling and square dancing. She was particularly proud of the hole-in-one she shot at the Windom Country Club and liked to show the newspaper article about this accomplishment to all of her friends and family. She also became known far and wide as the "walking lady" because of her daily five mile walks around Island Park and the Windom town square. Norma is survived by her four children: Dave Schmalz and his partner, Ellen Karsten, of Los Angeles, CA; Mike Schmalz of Windom; Mark Schmalz and his wife, Cristina, of Honolulu, HI; and Stephanie Astleford and her husband, Andy, of Elk River. She's also survived by six grandchildren: Alex and Jessica Schmalz, Elisa, Brett and Brandon Engler and Bridget M. Schmalz Thorp. Her brother, Kermit Twait, and his wife, Betty, of Windom, and her brother-in-law, Don Baker, of Walnut Grove also survive Norma. Norma loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Her extended family often gathered at Norma's house for Christmas. The Christmas festivities always included a silly string fight where Norma giggled mischievously as she sprayed silly string at everyone in sight. She often traveled from New York to California to Hawaii to see her family and to witness her kid's and grandkid's achievements. Norma was a generous, positive person who never had a bad word to say about anyone. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Thank you for joining us to celebrate Norma's kind spirit and happy life.