Norma Jean Rudel, age 87, passed into eternal life on February 27, 2017. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 4 at 11:00 AM at her lifelong church, First Lutheran in Fessenden. ND. The family will also greet friends on Friday, March 3 from 4:30-6:30 PM at Nelson Funeral home in Fessenden, with a prayer service following at 6:30.

Norma, daughter of Gilbert and Selma (Lillemon) Meland, was born in Wellsburg ND on June 3, 1929. In 1935, the family moved to Fessenden where soon thereafter her father died at a young age. Later, Selma married Paul Woge, Norma's step-father. Norma graduated from Fessenden High School. She always said that as a little girl, she knew one day she'd be a nurse. She began nursing studies at St. Luke's School of Nursing in Fargo ND where one particular highlight of Norma's schooling was to experience a 6-month rotation at Cook County General Hospital in Chicago.

As a new RN, Norma returned to Fessenden where she married Norman Rudel on December 29, 1950. Together, they lived/worked on the family farm while Norma also practiced nursing (part-time) in New Rockford, ND for 25 years. In 1981, Norman and Norma created a summer vacation home on Cotton Lake (Rochert, MN) near where her paternal grandparents lived for Norma's entire life. In 1985, it was Norma's turn for the "city-life" and the couple moved from the farm to their new home in Fessenden.

From the age of five, Norma was active in First Lutheran Church. She sang in the choir, participated in the women's groups, served as a council member, taught Sunday school, was a representative to the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepard board, and so much more. A consummate wife, mother, and friend, Norma was ever-motivating, always supportive, and passionate about her family and community. In Fessenden, in travels, at Cotton Lake, and beyond – life was so blessed and full. In later years, above all she valued time with neighbors and family, traveling with siblings/spouses and most often for a first-row seat at the countless events of grandchildren across the region.

Norma is survived by her ever-loyal brother, Gilbert A (Doris) Meland, Richmond, VA; daughters: Nancy Stratman (Bob Shaefer), Aitkin, MN; Rebecca (Becky) Rudel (Keith Arneson), Rochert MN; Carol (Kent) Wolkenhauer, rural Fessenden; Renee (Paul) Ivesdal, Edmore ND and seven grandchildren: Amy (John) Girlando, Heidi (Marcelo) Torgerson-Martinez, Justin Stratman (Isabel Garcia), Nicole (Dan) Larson, Jill (Nicolas) Titze, Kristen Torgerson, and Caitlan Wolkenhauer; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by seven step-grandchildren (Arnesons & Shaefers), many nieces/nephews, amazing friends/neighbors, and her favorite hair-stylist Brenda (Rudel) Lloyd.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 62 years; her siblings: Curtis Meland, Fern Sellie, Mavis Meland, Sharon Buechler; and son-in-law Bruce Stratman.

The Rudel family prefers memorials be given to First Lutheran Church of Fessenden, Presentation Hospice of Carrington @ 800 N. 4th St. Carrington, ND 58421, or Roger Maris Cancer Center @ Sanford Health of Fargo.

Online condolences may be shared at nelsonfuneralhomesnd.com.