Laurence D. Norman, 96, of Estelline, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2020, at the Estelline Nursing and Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Friday, March 6, 2020, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, in Estelline. Memorial visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday at Geise Funeral Home in Estelline.

Laurence Donald Norman was born on December 1, 1923, in Hamlin County, SD, the son of Harm and Trientji (Ludwig) Norman. He grew up in the Dempster area, and attended Dempster Country School. Upon completion of school, Laurence began farming on the family homestead. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Gratz on December 1, 1949. The couple continued farming until they retired and sold the farm in 1981. They moved to Sioux Falls and Laurence assisted his son, Dan, in his land surveying business for a few years before returning to Estelline. In 2017, Laurence and Mary Ann moved into the Estelline Nursing and Care Center.

Laurence was an avid outdoorsman, loved fishing and hunting. In his younger years, he and Mary Ann had fun going to dances. He enjoyed winning card games and wintering in Arizona. More than anything, he cherished the time he shared with his family. Laurence brought laughter and humor to every room he entered.

Laurence passed away Sunday, March 1, 2020, at the Estelline Nursing and Care Center at the age of 96.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Mary Ann Norman, of Estelline, SD; four children, Daniel (Judy) Norman, of Sioux Falls, SD, Thomas (Judy) Norman, of Windsor, CO, Julie (Scott) Thomas, of Tulsa, OK, and Janet (Reed) Caldwell, of Oxnard, CA; 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and his nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mabel Ross.