Norma Jean Parce, 94, of Woonsocket, SD, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Letcher Community Church; visitation will be an hour prior. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park in Mitchell, SD.

Norma was born on April 28, 1929 to Harry and Anna (Meier) Stekl at the Stekl farm in Sanborn County. Growing up the only daughter, with three brothers, she learned cooking skills that served her well throughout her life. Norma attended grade school at Stekl School; a school that was started by her great grandfather, Bartholomew Stekl in 1882. She graduated from Letcher High School in 1947. Norma managed the Corner Station in Letcher.

Norma and Homer Parce began a courtship at a dance in Mitchell where Homer was playing a trumpet in the dance band. Norma was interested in Homer and boldly asked for a ride home. The attraction proved mutual and the couple married on February 27, 1954 at the Stekl Farm. They took a trip of a lifetime for their honeymoon, visiting Washington, D.C. and Niagara Falls.

The couple made their home on a farm a few miles south of Letcher. They raised five children. Norma loved holidays and went all out decorating for Christmas and Easter. Being an excellent cook, she hosted the holiday meals, taking great pride in making the complete meal including her memorable stuffing. A special tradition that Norma originated was preparing Easter baskets and you had to go hunting, not just for the eggs, but the basket of treats as well.

Norma knew how to enjoy life to the fullest and did it well. She was employed as a cook at the Letcher school along with her duties as a farm wife and mother. At home, she enjoyed the outdoors, tending to a large garden along with many flowers. Favorite family memories include fishing at the Jim River on Sundays and attending picnics along with other family members at Hitchcock Park in Mitchell. She loved spending time with her children and later grandchildren. Norma would load up everyone she could in her car and off they would go to the various sporting events, Corn Palace Week, and the Circus.

Norma's hobbies included bowling, playing pinocle, reading books and watching golf and Vikings football on television. Her daughters fondly remember their mother enjoying her favorite beverage, Coke, while playing solitaire. Both she and Homer were active in the Letcher community. The family attended the United Church of Christ where Norma was part of the Women's Fellowship and taught youth classes. She also belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary Post #93.

In 1987, Homer and Norma moved into Letcher from the farm. Norma continued cooking at the school until her retirement. In 2014 she became a resident of Prairie View Healthcare, where Homer was already residing. The couple appreciated their time together until Homer's passing in October 2014.

Norma is survived by her children; Larry Parce, Letcher, SD, Gene (Nerissa) Parce, Letcher, SD, Ann Stange, Woonsocket, SD, Curtis (Liz) Parce, Letcher, SD, Teri (Jim) Edwards, Letcher, SD, 14 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Homer, her parents, three brothers, Duane, Monte, and Roland, and son in-law, John Stange.