Norman was born on July 28,1932 to Fritz and Emma (Rye) Carlson in Britton, SD. Norman passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Wheatcrest Hills after a lengthy battle with congestive heart failure. He survived almost 31 years as a widower and is now at peace with his beloved wife, Nita. He also treasured his pup companions, Muffy, Lily and Miley.

He attended Britton Public schools and graduated from Britton High School in 1952. In November of 1952 he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and took basic training in Camp Breckenridge, KY 101st Airborne Division. He went overseas in April 1953 to Sasebo, Japan and went to Kobe, Japan for four months. The rest of his time was spent in Hong Kong, China. He was honorably discharged in Denver, CO and received four medals of honor during his service.

In the Fall of 1954, he started college at Southern State Teachers College and completed one year before returning to Britton. He worked at Thompson Lumber Yard then to U.B.C. Lumber Yard for several years. In 1960 he married Nita LaMee and started working for Art Bonham at Bonham Grocery Store for 8 years. Norman and Nita purchased the Coffee Bar Café in 1968 and sold it in 1983. He went to work at the Aberdeen Country Club in the Fall of 1983 and worked as the head chef for 3-1/2 years. He then returned to Britton and worked at the Hunters Supper Club as the Chef. He and Nita then leased the Hunter’s Supper Club for 2-1/2 years before retiring from the food service industry.

In retirement, Norman enjoyed volunteering and playing cards at Fun after Fifty and volunteering at the Prayer Rock Museum. He was a 60+ year member of the VFW and American Legion and was proud to be included in an Honor Flight in October 2023. He loved living in Britton and was a valued historian of Britton and its residents.

He is survived by three daughters and one son; Julie (Duane) Elsen of Britton, Jill (Ray) Gerrick of Lake City, SD, Janet St.Louis of Coon Rapids, MN, and Jim (Sandy) Carlson of Menomonie, WI.

Ten grandchildren Kyle (Cigi), Keenan (Des), Kade Elsen, Joshua (Liz), Derek (Sarah), Travis (Jenny) and Taylar St. Louis, Andrew (Brittany), Brittany (Andrew) and Joseph Carlson and 14 great-grandchildren with his 15th great -grandchild due in March and many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by one sister and brother-inlaw, Marion (Orville) West of Groton and sister-in-law, Erna LaMee of Groton.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nita, his parents Fritz and Emma Carlson, sisters, Elaine (Norman) Bergman, Darlys (Don) Garske, Marilyn (Jack) Hoglund, father-inlaw and mother-in-law, Dale and Vera LaMee, son-in-Law, Andre St. Louis and brother-inlaw, Neal LaMee.

Condolences may be directed to the family in care of 1312 1st St. – Britton, SD 57430.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com