Norman R. DeBlieck, age 95 of Tracy, passed away Friday, December 24, 2021 at Hospice of Murray County in Slayton, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 31, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy with a livestream on Stephens Funeral Service Facebook page. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Tracy Area Funeral Home with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Tracy. Online condolences may be sent to www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Norman R. DeBlieck was born December 20, 1926 to Emiel and Cecilia (Landuyt) DeBlieck on the family farm near Walnut Grove. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Walnut Grove and confirmed in the Catholic faith at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Norman and his family moved to Charles Cart farm in 1931 and then moved to John D. Owens farm in 1932. Norman attended and graduated from School District 72 in Lyon County.
He remained at home to help his parents farm. In 1944, Norman began farming on his own. In 1948, he met Edith, daughter of Dow & Ann Christensen of Balaton. Edith was employed at Tracy Hospital. On May 24, 1950, Norman and Edith were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. To this union ten children were born: Paul, Keith, Bruce, Marian, Lee, Conni, Wayne and three deceased children. Norman joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1948 and was called to duty in 1950 for the Korean Conflict. He discontinued farming during his service. In 1952, Norman was honorably discharged and returned home to begin farming again. He went to Agriculture school for two years.
In 1963, Norman and Edith purchased their own farm and then moved north of Tracy. Norman was active in different farm organizations including Minnesota Farmers Union and National Farmers Organization and served on many committees in Groundswell. He served as Chairman of Lyon County D.F.L. and served on many boards and committees. In 1986, Norman was elected State Representative to the Minnesota House of Representatives. He was asked by Governor Perpich to go on a fact finding trip to Panama and Honduras for the State of Minnesota. Norman traveled to Europe and Germany with General Sieben, to inspect military installations while there. He served as Vice Chair on the State Agriculture Committee. He always worked for the betterment of agriculture. Norman introduced and passed legislation to build a Veteran’s Home somewhere in Southwest Minnesota. Norman was a long time member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church; he was an usher and later worked on the construction of the St. Mary’s school.
He was also a member of Knights of Columbus, Marian Council 1750, and the Tracy American Legion, Earle Ray Post #173. He loved to travel and made many trips to Europe to meet relatives. After 48 years of farming, Edith and Norman retired and purchased a home in Tracy. He helped at Tracy Floral as handyman and gardener; where he worked closely with Pam & Tam. The couple lived 15 winters in Mission, Texas. There, he served two terms as Chairman of the Board for the Tropical Valley Acres lot owners association. Norman and Edith volunteered to help at the Mission TX, Chamber of Commerce for ten years. He helped start the youth firearm training program in Garvin. Norman was an avid hunter and trapper. He loved deer hunting and made many trips out west.
Norman was a Christian and cherished his wife Edith Ann of 59 years and 10 months. He loved their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and in-laws.
Norman is survived by his children: Paul (Mary) of Redwood Falls, Keith (Diane) of Dalton, Bruce (Phillis) of Willmar, Marian (Curt) of Balaton, Lee (Sharon) of Marshall, Conni (Adam) of Las Cruces, NM, and Wayne of Granite Falls; 19 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Pat DeBlieck; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife (Edith), three children at birth, daughter-in-law; Liz DeBlieck, five brothers: Harry, William, Walter, Donald, and Maurice in infancy.