"My condolences on the death of Norma. She was a good friend and Scripture study member. I always enjoyed visiting with Norma and enjoyed her knowledge and faith sharing. She loved her family and was very proud of all. May she rest in peace. Pauline Varley "
In loving memory of
Norma Geraldine Sedlack
March 3, 1935 - February 17, 2023
Norma Geraldine Conn Sedlack, passed away at Charter House on February 17, 2023, at the age of 87.
Norma was born March 3, 1935, in Ft Wayne, Indiana to Bertha and Gerald Conn. Norma and her sister, Eileen moved a lot during their childhood...including Yuma, AZ. As Norma became a teenager, being a nurse became a passion. She got her nursing certificate in IL in 1956, and became a nurse at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL where she met her future husband, Richard Sedlack, MD. They married Nov 22, 1958 in Chicago, IL and soon after moved to Rochester, MN, after Richard got his position as a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic. Norma never left Rochester after that. She went on to receive her BS degree in Nursing from Winona State in 1980 and taught nursing classes at Rochester Community Technical College.
Norma was very involved in the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), having served as both local chapter president several times, and as State Regent. She found her way to the DAR when she developed a love for genealogy research, which she did extensively on both sides of the family. She even found rare, vintage photos and made each of her children a photo album of their past.
Norma's two favorite things to do were whistle and read Harlequin Romance novels. She will always be remembered as quite the songbird. She also had a very quirky way of reading the last chapter of the novel first, before she started the book.
Norma and Richard loved to travel. They loved Hawaii and did an around the world trip to India and beyond and even drove to Alaska. The best summer family vacations were cross-country driving trips with the family all packed into the station wagon. They also courageously spent a month trip to Europe with all 5 kids.
Norma raised 5 children in Rochester. Jeff (Maryann) of Falmouth, ME, Tom of Woodbury, MN, Nancy (Gerard) Browne of Woodbury, MN, Diana (Barry) Maxwell of Winter Garden, FL and Robert (Carolyn) of Rochester, MN.
Norma also leaves behind a beloved sister Alice "Eileen" (Jerry) Moyer, a niece Marge (Mark) Hall and an amazing clan of 11 grandchildren. Will, Victoria, Anne, Connor, Mackenzie, Colleen, Harrison, Cameron, Alex and twins Aidan and Isabelle.
Funeral Services will be private at Ft. Snelling, where she will be reunited with Richard. Memorial Services will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the "Dorothy Day Hospitality House" of Rochester, MN or to another charity of your choice.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Sedlack family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Tributes
"I am so sorry for your family to lose Norma. When Dick and my husband were in training at Mayo together many years ago we became good friends and so enjoyed our small children when they played together. We kept in touch thru the years as we both lost our husbands. I know all your family will miss her. Mary Amundsen"
"Dear Sedlack Family, We are sincerely sorry for your loss of Norma, a beloved mother and grandmother. It was indeed a pleasure to know her and enjoyed the friendship she always showed us. We pray for her rapid ascent to everlasting life in heaven. Love, Olivia & Bryant Elrod "
"Dear Tom and Sedlack Family, My sincere condolences on the passing of Norma. She was such a warm and lovely woman and I enjoyed every time I had the opportunity to interact with her. I keep you in my prayers. Love, Theresa Elrod"
"Sedlack Family, Such a great lady - always had the time to chat when we were neighbors on Wilshire and again, when our paths crossed at the Charter House. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Carol Venteicher"