Norma Ganter

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A service for Norma has been set for Monday, October 20, 2025 at Our Savior's Evangelical Lutheran Church at 10:30am with a visitation being prior from 9:30-10:30am.

Norma Deanne (Koehn) Ganter passed away on October 07, 2025. Norma was born on April 12, 1943, in Sioux Falls, SD, the daughter of Norman and Doris (Klinger) Koehn. Norman was in the Pacific theater of World War 2 when Norma was born and did not meet Norma until she was 3 months old. Norma grew up in Centerville, SD and helped at her father's grocery store. Prior to Norma's Senior year of High School, the family moved to Brookings, where she graduated from Brookings High School in 1961. She attended South Dakota State University and then transferred to complete a LPN program in Sioux Falls, SD. After working as a nurse at the Brookings Medical Clinic, she decided to start her own business as an electrologist, which she continued in her home until retiring in 2009. She enjoyed continuing her education and periodically took classes at SDSU, coming close to completing a bachelor's degree. Norma married Darryl Ganter on August 30, 1964 at Mt Calvary Lutheran Church in Brookings. Darryl and Norma had two daughters: Dawn and Deanne. They lived in Brookings until Norma's diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and then briefly spent time in Minnesota to be closer to family. They enjoyed living in their Brookings condo and visiting with other owners, who became wonderful friends, at coffee, social events and bingo…or just in the hallway, on the way to get the mail.

Norma enjoyed crocheting, sewing, spending time with family and attending events at their church. She was active in her church including LWMS and volunteering to assist with vacation bible school. She was active in local AAL chapters (now Thrivent) and helped to complete many community service projects. She served on the Brookings Hospital Auxiliary, was part of the Tot Totters extension group and was a leader with the Little Leprechauns 4-H club when Dawn and Deanne were members.

Norma was a wonderful grandmother to Jorden and Abie. From learning American Sign Language to communicate with both children, to driving countless hours to pick up Jorden from school in Sioux Falls or in Minnesota, to sewing requested unique Halloween costumes to writing and texting or Face Timing for hours with her grandson, to playing many games of UNO over video call with her granddaughter, she gave freely of her time and shared a special bond with her grandchildren.

Norma is survived by her husband Darryl Ganter, daughters and sons-in law: Dawn (Alan) and Deanne (Joel) Curran, Grandchildren: Jorden Curran and Abigail Curran, Brothers: Rod (Joy) Koehn, Doug (Mica) Koehn, Nieces and Nephews: Chelsea (Tim) Burnett, Christopher (Kelly) Koehn, Chanelle Koehn, Chadron (Madelyn) Koehn, Carolyn (Luke) Hieb, Fred (Katie) Ganter, Dennis (Julie) Ganter and many cherished great nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents Norman and Doris, father-in-law and mother-in-law Fredrick and Catherine, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Fred and Elaine, and niece Leslie.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to Our Savior Lutheran Church Memorial Fund (Brookings, SD) or the Brookings Food Pantry