Norma Phelps

Norma Jean Phelps of Arlington, SD was called to her heavenly home on February 10, 2022, a month short of her 87th birthday.  She passed away at Avantara Watertown, which had been her home for the last two years.

Norma Nelson was born in Dundee, MN on March 9, 1935 to Alex and Gertrude (Brigger) Nelson.  After her father passed away at an early age, her mother married Rudy Sorensen.  She grew up living in Chico, California and rural Minnesota.  She attended high school in Ellsworth, MN before moving to Arlington, SD.

Upon first moving to Arlington, she worked for the local veteriarian, and it was there she first met Curtis, who she married on September 6, 1958.  They had two children, Gina and Dan, who they raised on the farm north of Arlington.

Norma filled her life with caring for her family, reading, baking, church and attending the summer Prairie Repertory plays.  After Curtis passed away, she spent several years at harvest time helping Dan by hauling grain to the elevator.  She truly loved being on the farm.

Her greatest joy, though, came from her grandchildren.  Josh was the first born, to Gina.  She proudly saw Josh graduate from high school and college and become a dad.  Dan and his wife Jodi then gave her two more grandsons, Caden and Case.  Up until Norma moved to Avantara, she was fortunate to see Caden and Case almost every day on the farm and especially enjoyed seeing them play baseball and participate in school activities.  Two years ago she was blessed with a great-grandchild, a little girl, Brinley.  She was also looking forward to a second great-grandchild (Brinley’s brother or sister), to be born in July.

Left to honor her memory are her two children, Gina Leisinger of Sioux Falls, and Dan (Jodi) Phelps of Arlington; grandsons Josh (Hannah) Leisinger of Sioux Falls, Caden and Case Phelps of Arlington; great-granddaughter Brinley Leisinger; brother Gary (Linda) Sorensen of Iron, MI; sister Darla (Doug) Newborg of Sioux Falls; together with her nieces and nephews.

Norma was welcomed in heaven by her husband, Curtis, together with their parents and extended family, as well as many long-time neighbors and friends from the Arlington community.

Funeral services for Norma will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arlington, SD, with Pastor Elisa McMullen officiating.  Burial will be at the Arlington Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Johnson-Henry Funeral Home in Arlington.