Norman Fred Schoephoerster

Norman Schoephoerster, age 97, of Marshall, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2020, at Prairie Home Hospice - Lockwood House in Marshall, Minnesota. Private Family Funeral Services will be on Friday, June 12, 2020, at First Lutheran Church in Marshall. Interment will follow in the Marshall Cemetery. Future events for celebrating Norman are being considered and will be finalized once the current gathering limitations are lifted. Please watch for future announcements.

Norman Fred Schoephoerster was born on December 28, 1922, in Canby, Minnesota to parents Earl and Nina (Steen) Schoephoerster. He was baptized as an infant at the Lutheran Church in Canby and confirmed in his youth at the Lutheran Church in Tracy, Minnesota. Norman attended school in Tracy, graduating with the high school class of 1940. He went on to further his education at the Tracy Junior College before enlisting with the United States Army in 1943.

Norman served as Staff Sergeant Squad Leader in the Armored Infantry Battalion. He received the Expert Infantry Badge and the Good Conduct Medal; then after time in Europe he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star Medal. His division was scheduled to invade Japan, but the war ended just before they were deployed. Stationed in Camp Cook, California, he had the privilege to parade in the streets of Los Angeles in celebration of Victory in Japan Day. Following his honorable discharge, Norman returned home and worked several jobs while finishing his college education.

On June 2, 1951, Norman was united in marriage to Arlene Monsen at the Tracy Lutheran Church. He finished his college career at South Dakota State University – Brookings in 1953 and the family then made their home in Marshall, Minnesota.

Norman began working at KMHL radio as a sales manager before moving on to MFA Insurance and Western State Bank. He then owned and operated Southwest Enterprises, Inc., which designed and manufactured the Marshal Radio Alarm System. His system won the first place in the Chemistry and Electronics Division at the 1977 Inventors Congress held in Redwood Falls.

Norman was a proud member of First Lutheran Church in Marshall where he served on the church council and helped with the church’s radio broadcast. He also served as Lyon County Chairman for the USO Fund Drive, was a member of the Marshall Safety Council, and worked closely with the Cub Scouts. Norman was instrumental in the American Cancer Society golf tournament fundraiser for many years and was a long-time member of both the VFW and American Legion (76 years!). His enjoyments in life included golfing, fishing, bowling, playing cards, and time spent with his grandchildren. He wintered for many years in Arizona but always kept up on the Minnesota sports teams, especially the Gophers.

Norman passed away on Monday, June 8, 2020, at the age of 97 years, 5 months, and 11 days. Blessed be his memory.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene Schoephoerster of Marshall; sons, Rick (and Cathy) Schoephoerster of Marshall, Ron (and Betty) Schoephoerster of Marshall; 6 grandchildren, Christina (and Kevin) Lonien of Marshall, Emily Schoephoerster of Monticello, Kalin (Paige Fuller) Schoephoerster of Maplewood, Alex (Brittney) Schoephoerster of St. Cloud, Ethan Schoephoerster of St. Cloud, Madison Schoephoerster of Westminster, CO; 2 great-grandchildren, Liliana and Lincoln; sister-in-law, Marlene Schoephoerster of Brooklyn Center; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Nina Schoephoerster, and siblings, Robert Schoephoerster, Dennis (Donna) Schoephoerster, and Ruth Schoephoerster.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Prairie Home Hospice in Marshall.