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NORMAN ARTHUR BURANDT

1926 - 2013

NORMAN ARTHUR BURANDT obituary, 1926-2013, McAllen, TX

BORN

1926

DIED

2013

NORMAN BURANDT Obituary

NORMAN ARTHUR BURANDT Norman Arthur Burandt of Pharr, Texas passed away on October 19, 2013. Born August 9, 1926 in Asheville, North Carolina, Norman was the younger of two children born to Henry A. and Erna L. Burandt. Norman was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Selma, in 2011. Norman graduated from Highland Park High School, Dallas Texas in May 1944 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June. Initially sent to officers training school, he reconsidered his career goals, relocated to the Great Lakes as a member of the Bluejacket Choir, and subsequently boarded the USS Earle, a minesweeper in the Pacific, for the remainder of the war. Norman completed undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University (BA in Psychology). After discovering a passion for teaching, his education continued with masters and doctoral work in physics and education at Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas A&M-College Station, and University of Texas-Austin. Norman married the love of his life, Selma Marie Sorenson, on May 1, 1949. After briefly living in Dallas and Houston, Norman and Selma relocated to Selma's hometown of Pharr where he lived the majority of his life. After Selma's passing, he relocated to the Houston area to live closer to his beloved children. Norman often remarked that he was a lucky person to be able to earn a living while having so much fun. He taught 8th grade and high school science courses in PSJA schools and then spent 34 years at the University of Texas-Pan American teaching physics, math, computer, and engineering courses. He was a positive influence in the lives of thousands of students, as well as those with whom he worked. In addition to teaching, Norman co-owned and operated one of the first computer stores in the Valley, Valley Computer Systems, and was the owner of NABCO Systems, a software development company. Norman was very active in the Lutheran Church, in the Valley through both Our Savior's and Prince of Peace. He served as congregation president, lay minister, and choir director for many years, and, Synod wide, as a member of the Board. In retirement, he was active in organizations including the RGV Chapter of the American Diabetes Assn.(Board Chair) and the Pharr Memorial Library (charter member and treasurer of Friends of the Library). In addition to embodying all the positive attributes of members of the Greatest Generation, Norman was a true Renaissance man. He seemed equally comfortable whether he was teaching physics, singing opera, working with computers, sewing dresses for his daughters, developing photos in his makeshift darkroom, building a house, preaching a church sermon, preparing a holiday meal, or rebuilding a car. He had a curiosity for life and seemed to excel at whatever he tried whether it was earning a pilot license in his spare time while doing doctoral work at UT-Austin or winning bridge competitions in college and ping pong championships in the Navy. His was a life well lived! He is survived by his 5 children and their families: son Dana of Corpus Christi; daughter Bridget and children, Lindsey and Whitney Moore of Houston; daughter Torrie and husband, Mike Green, and their children, Madison (Caleb Banister) and Cody, of Edmond, OK; son Barry and wife, Amparo, of Houston, and children Traci (Rodney Wilson), Lisa Molnar, and Manzur Vazquez; and son Kevin and wife, Tammy, and their children Jessica (Jonathan Warshaw), Travis and Taylor of Houston. Norman also leaves great-grandchildren: Able, Abigail, and Abbot Wilson, Sebastian and Dominic Molnar, Colton Warshaw, and, on the way, Anna Marie Banister. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 8th from 6 to 8 pm at Pharr Memorial Library. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that contributions be made in Norman's name to Friends of the Pharr Memorial Library, 121 E. Cherokee, Pharr, TX 78577 or Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 266, Mission, TX 78573. Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Monitor on Nov. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for NORMAN BURANDT

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Joe Jensen

October 28, 2022

An Honorable Humble Man that took his God given talents to the highest level helping many people including me. He was a Dear friend of fellow teachers at PSJAn including my Mom. A True Blessing sent to all was Norman

Diana Clark

November 8, 2013

God bless all of you in this time of loss. I will miss Norman, he always had a ready smile for both my mother and I . May God's peace be with you always.

Charles Mayes

November 7, 2013

To the family I extend my love. Norman and Selma touched the hearts of many. Selma was my 2nd. grade teacher and from that time forward I just loved her. She and Norman followed my life with encouragement and support. I thank the Lord for allowing me to have Norman and Selma in my life.
Love,
Charles D. Mayes

Robert W. (Bob) Rodgers

November 6, 2013

There is an old adage about gentlemen and scholars. Many years ago, I had the privilege of being a small part in bringing Norman to the then Pan American College. Over the next many years I had the pleasure of working with, and knowing, Norman until his retirement from UTPA. During that time I got to know him as a true gentleman and scholar. I also had the pleasure of knowing Norman and Selma as friends. I last saw them at a luncheon for retired faculty, and they were still the same smiling, gracious friends I had known so many years before. I shall miss them very much.

Carol (Dee) Eubank

November 6, 2013

It was a both a privilege & blessing to have known Norman and Selma. He helped me many a time at OSLC whenever I had problems with my pc/or software. He was a delightful lively person. Norman & Selma both loved their Lord and took great pleasure in working for their church and helping friends. My condolences to their family.

Teri Hovland

November 5, 2013

Norman and Selma, truly God's gift to us who had the honor of knowing you both. I will always remember you both fondly and never forget how loving you both were to me and my family.

eddie janice graves

November 4, 2013

Very respected and loved, we have and will continue to miss you in Kerrville. Eddie and Janice Graves

November 4, 2013

Thank you for all the help you gave your students. We will always remember you....Susan (Kuhn) Brooks

Eva McKinzey Euler

November 4, 2013

Remembering Mr. Burandt so fondly, from 8th grade science class. Indeed, a life well-lived to the Glory of God and to mankind.

November 4, 2013

I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Burandt for many years, first as a student, then as a friend. He was a remarkable man with a wicked sense of humor and quick wit--truly one of a kind. Kay Darr Greier

Ray "Butch" Brent

November 4, 2013

He was a special man in my days at PSJA High School and reconnecting at the Kerrville Reunions was "icing on the cake". May he rest in everlasting peace!

November 4, 2013

He was a great teacher. I had him for chemistry in high school. When I returned from the service in 1968 and started at Pan American college I had him again for Geology.

With all the students he had over those many years he recognized me from his chemistry classes in Psja. I always looked forward to his classes. He was a hard but fair teacher. R.I.P. Mr Burandt you work is done!!

Jack LeClair

November 3, 2013

I was a blessed student in junior high science, high school chemistry, and college physics.
He had a great influence on my career path into research science, and always brought a smile to my face when I saw him. Best wishes to the family-you had an extraordinary patriarch.

Joe Jensen

November 3, 2013

A Great Man, my Teacher,my Friend and a Friend of my family. Prayers for his Family.

November 3, 2013

He was my teacher in high school, my professor at Pan American, and my choir director at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in McAllen. I will never forget his kindness. Linda Unland Quinn

November 3, 2013

My condolences to your family. Dr Burandt was my professor at UTPA in the early 80's. Enjoyed his class
L. Esparza

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

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Memorial Events
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Nov

8

Memorial service

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Pharr Memorial Library

TX

Nov

8

Celebration of Life

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Pharr Memorial Library

TX

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