Obituary for Norma Boetel, USA Softball SD Hall of Fame

Norma M. Boetel, age 85, of Huron, SD passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the Huron Regional Medical Center. 

Her Memorial Service will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron, SD; Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. 

Norma M. Boetel, the daughter of Carl and Amanda (Kuehl) Boetel, was born on October 18, 1934 in Huron, SD.   She attended school and graduated from Huron High School. Norma received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Master of Science Degree in Education from South Dakota State University. She also received her Doctor of Education from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro   Norma worked as a Public School teacher in Jasper and Luverne, MN, and as an Instructor/Assistant Professor for South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD before finishing her career as a Sales Representative/Owner for Mutual of Omaha Insurance.

Norma was a member of the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron.  She also was a member of and president for the Montana Foundation of Business and Professional Women Inc. the Five Rivers Chapter of The American Red Cross, and the Mid-Montana Association for Life Underwriters.  Norma was the chairperson for the Montana Balance of State Joint Council and Editor of the Division for Girls and Women’s Basketball Guide.  She received the Woman of Achievement Award from the Bozeman Business and Professional Women, the South Dakota Girls and Women Leadership Award from the South Dakota Activities Association, and the Ralph Ginn For Excellence in Coaching Award from South Dakota State University.  Norma was also an Inductee into the Huron High School Hall of Fame and the South Dakota Softball Hall of Fame.

 Norma enjoyed playing cards, camping, playing golf, and snow skiing.  She was also instrumental in bringing women’s athletics to the state of South Dakota.

Grateful for having shared in Norma’s life are her sister Lila (Richard) Stamp of Huron, SD; two brothers Robert (Gloria) Boetel of Valparaiso, IN and Lyle (Dee) Boetel of Cavour, SD and many nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Amanda Boetel.