Norma Jean Garven Rokke Clark

Born in Barnesville, MN on May 28, 1934; to George and Romaine Garven. The youngest of five siblings (and quite spoiled), she grew up on the family farm, later moving to the city.  Growing up, she enjoyed spending time at her dad's machine shop where he would then give her money to go buy herself a treat.  In high school, she participated in band, choir and theater.  Upon graduation, she attended and graduated from Moorhead State Teacher's College where she made many lifelong friendships. Her first teaching job brought her to Stephen, MN where she lived in a teacher's boarding house with other young gals.  While in Stephen, she met an eligible bachelor who had just returned home from serving in the Air Force, his name - Sherman Rokke.  Within a year, they became engaged and were married on June 17, 1956 in Barnesville.  The following year, opportunity presented itself and Norma had an offer to become a teacher in a growing Anoka-Hennepin School District #11.  A woman ahead of her time, Norma Jean and Sherman moved to Anoka as a result of her employment! Many firsts occurred during the following years: in 1958, the first favorite daughter, Michelle Jane, was born and they built a house in 1960 (where Norma remained until 2016).  Michelle was such a good girl they tried for another and Lisa was born in 1963. Norma had many wonderful memories of life in Anoka with Halloween celebrations, neighborhood gatherings, volunteering and pride in our schools and in Zion, where she had been a member since 1958.  She spent nearly 40 years as an educator, teaching 1 st and 2 nd grade.  Her students and colleagues were as important as her family!  She loved the many lifelong friendships created at Johnsville, Morris Bye and Northdale/ Sorteberg Elementary schools.  She touched many students with her love for reading, often sharing and buying books for those who didn't have access.  A major milestone occurred in 1989 when her husband, Sherman, suddenly passed away. She became a widow at age 54, learning how to navigate a new life.  Her resilience, strength and faith carried her through!  She got out of her comfort zone and called herself a third wheel but that brought her to attending an All-School Reunion in Stephen, MN.  Her dear friend, Delores, set her up with a widower (also a childhood friend of Sherman's) named Joe Clark.  Norma and Joe hit it off and the romance began leading to their marriage on July 19, 1991.  As a blended family, we had the benefit and enjoyment of Joe's children, Jolene, David and Janean, and their families.  New celebrations and new traditions included spending time at the farm in Stephen, in Anoka and winters in Punte Gorda, FL.  Joe and Norma enjoyed 16 years of marriage before his passing in 2007.

Also in 2007, her grandson, Christian Messer, had passed, resulting in Norma's passion for helping others through the grieving process.  Connected through Zion, she became active in leading and  the facilitation of grief support groups through the North Metro Grief Support Coalition.  This "second career" touched many lives through support, prayers and just being present with those hurt by loss.  Her own support group continued, calling themselves the "BS ladies" as they met at Baker's  Square monthly.

She continued to live in the family home until 2016 when she suffered a stroke.  This prompted a move to assisted living in Walker Methodist Plaza.  A year later, another stroke made it clear she could no longer live without additional assistance and she moved to the memory care unit.  She enjoyed the many activities including Adult Prom, singalongs, trivia, bingo and crafts.  She particularly enjoyed hymn sings where she still belted all the words and in beautiful alto harmony.  She was the last to bed and the last to rise.  The staff loved her, calling her the Mayor of Memory Care!  She ensured order by using her teachers voice and look when someone was acting up.  She kept her standing hair appointment and loved when the staff helped her put on her makeup.

Over the years, she dedicated time and talent to many organizations including:  Mrs. Jaycees, Women of Zion, Zion Circle, founding member of ADK women educators sorority, various Shriners Women's groups and Philolectian Society.

Norma loved life, loved laughing, her family, shopping, coffee, goodies, throwing a party, reading novels, taking roadtrips, Halloween and Christmas, all music, a cute top and her lipstick!

Preceded in death by her parents, George and Romaine Garven, sibilings Bernie Law, Lawrence, Floyd and George Garven, nephew Paul Garven, spouses Sherman Rokke, Joe Clark; grandson, Christian Messer and infant great grandson.  Survived by daugther Michelle (Bruce) Messer, Lisa (Brian) Rambol, Jolene (Tom) Conway, David (Kim) Clark, Janean (Eric) Huser.

Grandchildren:  Megan (Jason ) Kubacki, Ashley (Mark) Swenson, Melissa Conway, Garred (Molly) Conway, Holly Conway, Grant Conway, Kendra Conway, Kelsey (Tray) Conway; Josiah Clark, Jesse Clark; Rachel Huser, Ethan Huser and Alexander Huser.

Great grandchildren:  Kenly, Hayden and Reagan Kubacki, Max, Addison and Ian Swenson, Jordan and Daniel Sambursky, Alicia and Robert Brewer, Adrianna and Jayanna Conway, Aydin Dashner, Tristan and Trinity Edwards.

Great great grandchild:  Aurora Sambursky

We'd like to thank the caring and giving staff at Walker Methodist Plaza in Anoka.  They made her last years happy and enriched.