Norman J. Nissen

A Celebration Of Life for Norman J. Nissen will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, Graettinger, Iowa. Pastor Lori Westfall and Pastor John Wolf will officiate.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 21 at Bethel Lutheran Church, Graettinger

Burial will be in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, South Walnut Township, Palo Alto County.

Military honors by the Nelson – Christensen American Legion Post # 92

Norman John Nissen, son of Fred and Anna (Hansen) Nissen was born on July 31, 1935 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society in Estherville, Iowa at the age of 88. 

Norman graduated from Graettinger High School in 1954.  He was employed at Shaver Manufacturing in Graettinger, Pamline in Emmetsburg, and was custodian at the Graettinger School for 25 years until his retirement. Norman was united in marriage to Donna Pegum on August 19, 1954 in Petersburg, Minnesota. Norman served in the United States Army from 1958 until being honorably discharged in 1960. 

Norman was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger where he served on the Church Council. He served on the Graettinger City Council for many years. He enjoyed being outdoors; fishing, hunting, camping, playing baseball and slow pitch softball. He also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Yankees, putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, bird watching, mowing his yard and reading. He was happiest spending time with his family. 

Norman is survived by his children Norma (Mike) Krogman of Garner, Iowa, Greg (Karissa) Nissen of Miles City, Mont., and Julie (John) Molacek of Willmar, Minn.; 11 grandchildren, Jonathon Krogman, Kayla Krogman, Nathan VantHul, Christopher Nissen, Tanner Nissen, Kylin Nissen, Taylon Nissen, Tanner Owen, Tereasa Kirsch, Tara Bernhagen, Trent Molacek; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sibling-in-laws Mary (Bill) Libby of Streator, Ill., Darril "Red" Pegum of Ruthven, Iowa, and Peggy Libby of Streator, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anna Nissen, his wife, Donna, his twin brothers LeRoy and LaVerne Nissen, his mother and father-in-law Gabriel and Loretta Pegum and brother-in-law, Donald "Fib" Pegum.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.