Funeral services for Norm Cote, 89, of Slayton, MN were held at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating. The organist was Judy Andrews. The song leader was Joanne Halbur with special music by Ronald, Jane and Wyatt Cote. The pallbearers were Bruce Haugen, Mike Maher, Steve Haugen, LeRoy Johnson, Chuck Haugen and Travis Moon. The honorary pallbearers were Bob Schreurs, John DeGreeff, Jim Surprenant and Siebe Muller. Interment was a St. Ann’s Cemetery in Slayton, MN.
Norm Cote was born on September 17, 1927 on the family farm near Tracy, Minnesota to Joseph and Myra Youngs Cote. Norm grew up on the farm and graduated from Tracy High School in 1946. At the age of 19 Norm had his own live radio show on KMHL in Marshall.
On November 11, 1950 he and Doris Haugen were married at St. Mary’s Church in Tracy, MN. Following their marriage they made their home in Tracy until 1956 when they moved to Slayton. Norm worked as a lineman and later as District Manager for Northern States Power Company. He retired after 33 years of service. Norm was a very active member of the Slayton Community. In 1972 he was named NSP Citizen of the Year. In 1982 Norm was awarded the very first Buzz Erlandson award and in 2002 he received the Murray County Shining Star award.
Norm was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton where he served as Communion Minister for many years. He also was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for 60 years, Catholic Order of Foresters, Slayton Kiwanis, and the Knights of Columbus. He served as a Boy Scout Leader and on the Slayton Chamber of Commerce. Norm sang in the Barbershop choir and quartet and was named Barbershopper of the year in 1983. Norm used his time, knowledge and many talents to encourage youth down the right path. He encouraged leadership skills for youth and helped create a positive climate for youth development. There are many, many kids that have been touched by his mentorship and kindness. Norm was well known for his musical talent and he loved to share his music with everyone. His music and his guitar always traveled with him. He loved playing and singing at nearly every event he attended. His most recent music endeavor was the Rhythm Retreads with his dear friends Dr. Dick Ullery and Rev. A.R. Sellevold. Norm enjoyed time with his family, having coffee and shaking dice with friends, traveling with the Prime Timers and V.I.P. Club, bowling, dancing, trips to the casino, and coffee on the porch with the sticky Friday group.
Due to failing health Norm moved to Our House Hospice Home on February 24, 2017 and passed away there on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at the age of 89. Norm will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. His music and kindness will live on in all that knew him.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Doris Cote of Slayton; four children and their spouses, Larry and Marnella Cote of Slayton, MN, Ronald and Jane Cote of Luverne, MN, Marcia and John Sanda of Owatonna, MN, and Wendy and Perry Fox of Woodbury, MN; honorary son, Mylan Ray of Pipestone, MN; seven grandchildren, Nathan and Kasey Leiferman, Nick Leiferman, Bobbi Jo Cote, Sammi Jo Cote and Travis Moon, Casie Jo Cote and Brian Padar, Wyatt Cote, Lauren Sanda and Michael Martiny; seven great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Olivia, Nathan, Summer, Jorey, Myla, Joie and twin boys expected in April.
He is preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Billi Jo Cote, three brothers and three sisters.
Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com