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Norman Barth Obituary
Former Executive Director of Lutheran World Relief, Norman E. Barth passed away November 15, 2010 in Sioux Falls at age 83. Born to Frank and Esther Barth in Michigan in April 1927 he grew up in Chicago.
At 17 he enlisted in the United States army and was a World War II infantryman (1st Div) in Europe. Following the end of the war, he obtained a B.A in three years from Luther College in Decorah, IA and an M.A. in American History from the University of Minnesota. He was awarded a doctorate, Honorius Causa from Luther College in 1985. After teaching high school in White Bear Lake, MN and Elgin, IL, he entered the diplomatic service of the United States in 1957. He served at U.S. embassies in Iceland, Germany (twice), Belgium, South Africa (twice) and Lesotho. He became the Executive Director of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) in 1981. During his tenure, LWR was awarded the Presidential Hunger Award (1988), becoming the first faith based agency to receive the honor. The award citation from President Ronald Regan recognized LWR's work in responding to emergencies and promoting sustainable development, making special reference to LWR's role in "adding victims of famine on both sides of the Ethiopian civil war." Following his 42 years of public and humanitarian service, Norman retired in 1991. He led an active retirement in rural Pennsylvania as president of his church congregation and the Penn National Homeowners Association. After a stroke in 2007 he moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Married to Janet Hellie in 1950, the couple leaves behind four children.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the Lutheran World Relief Norman E. Barth Memorial Fund, 700 Light Street, Baltimore, MD, 21230; or to the Luther College, Janet and Norman E. Barth Scholarship Fund, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101.
Visitation will be from 12 pm to 7 pm with the family present from 5:30 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, November 18, 2010, at Miller Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, SD. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Friday, November 19, 2010, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD. For obituary and online registry go to www.millerfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Barth
1 Entry
November 28, 2010
Dear Janet and Family,
It is difficult to say enough about Norman and what he has meant to our family over the last years. What an inspiration, what a model for the family, what comfort he was to all of us when we needed him. We will always remember his wit, his love and his friendship. Of course it was never him alone but you there beside him. I remember the two of you as two peas in a pod, always together and always loving. My thoughts and prayers are for you and the family. God bless you.
Betty Coxson Dols
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