Norma Denniston

Norma Lee Denniston, age 92, of Brainerd, passed away on January 1, 2026, at Good Samaritan Woodland.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Brainerd.

Norma was born on June 5, 1933, in Exira, Iowa, to Eva (Goochey) and Ernie Struthers. Her family later moved to Pine River, Minnesota, where she graduated as Valedictorian of the Pine River High School Class of 1951.

In August of 1951, Norma was united in marriage to James Denniston, and together they were blessed with two children.

Norma dedicated more than 36 years of her life to Baxter Elementary School, where she worked as the school secretary. She loved her work and took great pride in the students she served over the years. One of her greatest joys was meeting people in the community and asking whether they had once been a student at Baxter Elementary. Norma formed many close friendships with her coworkers—relationships she cherished and maintained throughout her life.

In her younger years, Norma enjoyed sewing and crocheting, and throughout her life she loved going out to eat, reading, traveling, and collecting treasured keepsakes. These simple joys brought her great happiness and reflected her curiosity and appreciation for life.

Norma is survived by her daughter, Pamela (Mike) Matson; grandchildren Chantelle Leonard, Dustin (Christy) Matson, and Derrek (Maren) Matson; nine great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Denniston; daughter, Cynthia Moberg; granddaughter, Tammy Moberg; brothers LaVerne, Galen, and John; and special friend, Tony Jensen.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.