Norma Sommerdorf

Sommerdorf, Norma Jean

(Seaquist)

Passed away on September 28, 2011 at the age of 85. Norma's life was very full and enhanced the lives of many. She was born July 17, 1926 in Britt, Iowa. Growing up she lived in various locations as her father was a Swedish Baptist Minister. She attended Bethel College in St. Paul, MN for 2 years, graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1947, Bachelor of Science in Education. She & Vernon L. Sommerdorf were married in 1946. They made their home on the East Side of St. Paul. Norma worked for the St. Paul Public Library while her husband, Vern, completed medical school. Norma's life extended beyond being a housewife & mother of 4 adopted children. Norma served on civic & political boards. She worked on many political campaigns & became a volunteer on the Hubert Humphrey presidential campaign as a historical researcher. She served as manager of the Governor's Residence for Wendell Anderson during his years as Governor. Norma was a business owner, a partner of Complete Traveler, later as sole owner of Travel Associates, St. Paul, MN. After selling her travel business to employees, Norma was successful in getting two children's books published: "An Elm Tree and Three Sisters" and "Red River Girl". She was instrumental in compiling, editing & writing "A Church in Lower Town" a history of First Baptist Church in downtown St. Paul. Her love of research & writing was paramount throughout her life. Norma's passing is preceded by her parents, Rev. Carl & Mabel Seaquist, sister, Rachel Bobbins and husband, Dr. Vernon L. Sommerdorf. She is survived by brother, Carleton & Betty Seaquist, Richfield, MN; brother, David & Jeanne Seaquist, Waltham, Mass; daughters, Jean Muirhead, Woodstock, GA, Marianne & Joseph Dinwiddie, Conway, MO, Delores Corey, Waseca, MN; son, Phillip Sommerdorf and friend Linda of Apple Valley, MN; 9 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. The Sommerdorf's were "host parents" to over 20 Youth for Understanding exchange students. Visitation Friday, October 7, 2011 from 4-7PM at Bradshaw, 1174 Payne Avenue, St. Paul. Memorial Service Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 11AM at First Baptist Church, 499 Wacouta Street, St. Paul.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to Youth For Understanding, 6400 Goldsboro Road, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD 20817 or www.yfuusa.org/donate in Norma's honor.