Norma Margot Brogren

Norma Brogren of Pine City, passed away on May 14, 2012, at the age of 91. Norma Margot Hopen was born on January 2, 1921 to Nels Hopen and Lena Holmli in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her parents came to the United States from Norway. When she was just a young girl she took a trip back to Norway with her mother. It was a very memorable experience for her. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage. Norma was raised and attended school in Minneapolis. On August 31, 1940, she united in marriage to Charles Brogren. They had one son Wayne Allen Brogren, born on July 23, 1941. During the summer months they would drive up to Pine City and spend time at the cabin that they built on the east side of Cross Lake. After Charlie passed away in 1993, Norma moved to the Pioneer Manor in White Bear Lake. She lived there until moving to the Lakeside Nursing Home in Pine City in 2005. She spent many hours in the activities department baking cookies with her good friend and neighbor Marre. She also spent many hours ripping and winding bandages that were then sent to third world countries. Norma loved to be outside enjoying the songs of the birds and watching wild life. She spent most Sunday’s after church doing just that with her best friend Sammy (dog) sitting beside her. She is survived by her Granddaughter Brenda (Rodger) Nelson of Harlingen, Texas, brother-in-law Les Brogren of Dayton, nieces: Karen (Chuck) Thompson, Sandra Forslun; local extended family members: Jeneice Carter of Pine City, Shannon Carter, Jay Carter, Jackie Penner, Edy Ward, Cheri Ward, Vicki Ward, James Ward of White Bear Lake. Norma is preceded in death by her parents Nels & Lena Hopen, husband Charles Brogren, her son Wayne Brogren, and brothers Mel Forslun, Ozzie Hopen. Reverend Vicki VanderVegt and Reverend Ron Boettner officiated funeral services for Norma Brogren; 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City with visitation and reviewal one hour prior. Music was performed by Doug Berglund, Adrienne Roubinek and Glenna Reierson. Casket bearers included: John Oare, Lyndon Hagestuen, John Becvar, Scott Cornelius, Jay Carter, and Tom Blumhoefer. Norma Brogren was buried in Union-Hustletown Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Our Redeemer or Union Cemetery. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Norma Brogren have been entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel