Norma Hedstrom
March 14, 1926 ~ July 17, 2020
Norma Delores Hedstrom passed away peacefully on Friday July 17th, 2020 at Villa Maria in Fargo, ND under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Norma was born to Alfred and Anna Adsem on March 14th, 1926 in Haynes, ND. She adored her parents and was very proud of her father’s service in WWI. As one of seven children, she frequently shared stories of her childhood with her siblings and enjoyed growing up in a large family.
Norma was united in marriage to Earl “Pete” Purington on March 14th, 1948 and together they shared six daughters.
After a class reunion in 1994, Norma got the opportunity to reconnect with her high school sweetheart and married Harold “Hefty” Hedstrom at sixty-eight years old. They spent many wonderful years together on the farm until Harold passed away in 2003.
Norma held many positions in a variety of careers throughout her life such as bookkeeping, sales, teaching children in a one room schoolhouse and jobs around the shipyards during WWII. Although she excelled in whatever she did, her greatest and proudest job was Mom and Grandma.
Norma is lovingly remembered by her six daughters: Ava (Robert) Dalbol, Fargo ND, Becky (Ernie) Bozovsky, Fargo ND; Carol Purington, Madison WI; Deb (Tom) Link, Fargo/Washburn ND; Emily (Bob McDaniel) Kroetch, Phillip SD; and Faye (Tom) Fynn, Fargo ND; Two brothers, Duane Adsem, Bozeman MT and Larry (Marilyn) Adsem, Grand Forks ND; One sister, Agnes Uhrig, Lead SD; One sister-in-law, Lois Adsem, Bismarck ND; Eleven Grandchildren: Jason Nielsen, Casey Nielsen, Jill Backlund, Jenny Nielsen, Jeff Bozovsky, Shannon Bozovsky, Kirsten Earley, Amanda Purington, Sarah Link, Paul Link and Megan Flynn; as well as 12 great-grandchildren, the Family of Harold Hedstrom and many nieces and nephews.
Welcoming Norma home are her parents, husband Harold Hedstrom, sister Lorraine Merwin, brothers Leo “Corky” Adsem, Arnold Adsem, son-in-law Ralph Kroetch and grandson Tommy Flynn.
A private family gathering will take place Sunday, July 19th with a burial in Hettinger, ND to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Norma’s name to Hospice of the Red River Valley:
Hospice of the Red River Valley Attn: Development 1701 38th St. S., Suite 101 Fargo, ND 58103 Or visit www.hrrv.org
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Norma was a special lady, with a great sense of humor. This was definitely an asset in raising six daughters.
My deepest sympathy to the A-F Purington girls and entire family. I can hear Norma’s cute little laugh. She would party right with us at your 3rd Ave S home. “Now remember girls, if want to dance at the VFW, shake your hands to get asked”! She was so funny. She was a kind and loving Mom. I cherish all the laughs with her and the friendship with Em and Faye throughout the many years. RIP Norma. You were very loved. ❤️🌷
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother. Safe travels for all coming and going.
I’m one of the granchildren of Harold Hedstrom, the late Husband of Norma Hedstrom.
I’m blessed to have had her as a grandmother growing up. She was a staple in my life during my times at Hettinger Public high school, up until graduation. A place to head to for lunch, whether she provided or not, it was a wonderful place all the time.
Prior to my moving to Bismarck, I had lost touch with her, and had no idea what was to come in the future, but i will never ever forget her love, kindness, and warm spirit with every smile she gave me while growing up.