Norma was born to John and Mildred in Chokio, MN, on August 15, 1945. She grew up in Chokio and Deer Creek, having many adventures with her siblings. She graduated from Deer Creek High School in a class of 17 kids. Ronald was lovestruck when they met on the streets of Wadena. Together they rode the streets in his car, enjoying many dates at the roller rink. They were married on a frigid day, December 28, 1963, and Ronald soon deployed to Texas, where Norma followed, to serve in the Army. One year later, their son Kevin was born. They moved back to MN and daughter Tracy joined the family in 1969.
Norma was a stay at home mom while the kids were young, and then worked numerous jobs, but the most important was raising her two children. She resided most of those years in Spring Lake Park, MN, until they both retired. They enjoyed travelling with their motorhome and trips to Texas for 10 years. With their move back to MN, the time spent with family became the most treasured. Cheering on grandkids at sporting events and dance, Holiday seasons with the family, and getting to know the great grandkids were some of her favorite times.
She is preceded in passing by her parents, John and Mildred; in-laws, Waino and Helmi; and sisters, Kathy and Darlene (Clair); and nephews, Randy and Steve.
Norma is survived by and will be greatly missed by her beloved husband, Ronald Raatikka; children, Kevin (Lori) Raatikka, Tracy (William) Cin; grandchildren, Rick (Shelbi), Bryan (Melody), Jacob (Megan), Kyle (Zoa), Makayla; great-grandchildren, Kip, Zoe, Isabelle, Jack, Gianna, Levi, and one on the way; siblings, Shirley (Butch), Johnny (Julie); brother-in-law, Reuben (Linda); adored by many nieces and nephews; and many other family members and friends.
Join us to celebrate Norma's life on Friday, February 16, at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN. Visitation at 9 am and service at 10 am. Private interment at Morningside Memorial Gardens, Coon Rapids.
