Norma Jean Shofner

MEMORIAL SERVICES : 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids.VISITATION : One hour prior to the service on Wednesday.SURVIVORS : Her husband, John of Park Rapids, MN; her sons: Richard (Rebecca Hamen) of Blaine, MN and John (Alaina Defoe) of Cloquet, MN; three grandchildren: Amber, Jesse and Johnna; one great-granddaughter, Lyndsey; her brother, Donald (Betty) Forester of West St. Paul, MN and her sister, Shirley (Wally) Snyder of Tower, MN. NORMA JEAN SHOFNERDecember 9, 1942 ~ November 27, 2012 Norma Jean Shofner, age 69 of Park Rapids, MN formerly of Cambridge, MN passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at her home.Norma was born on December 9, 1942. She was one of four children born to William and Hazel (Hanson) Forester in St. Paul, MN. Norma married the love of her life, John Shofner, on March 1, 1963. They were blessed with two sons: Richard and John. In 1969, the family moved from their home in Roseville, MN to Cambridge, MN. In Cambridge, Norma worked in the Cambridge School District in many different roles, including time as a para-professional. In 1982, Norma was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, National Honor Fraternity of the Cambridge Community and Junior College. Norma and John moved to John"s childhood home property on Little Mantrap Lake near Itasca State Park, north of Park Rapids, MN where they built their permanent home in 1987. Here a business was produced, known as "Shofner"s Sheetmetal." Norma was the secretary, accountant, record keeper, treasurer and all-around boss. She held these positions until John retired in 2003. Also during the years in Park Rapids, Norma held several other positions. These included time at KPRM radio, World of Christmas, Ah-Gwah-Ching (Walker, MN). Norma retired in 2005, after 15 years with the Park Rapids Area Schools, where she worked in different positions. Norma finished her tenure as the Secretary to the Principal. Norma served as Treasurer for the Clover Township Board, Treasurer for Forest Riders Snowmobile Club and Secretary/Treasurer for the Little Mantrap Sportsmens Club. When Norma and John met, their first date was on a motorcycle. Motorcycling was instilled in their lives from that moment on. Many motorcycle trips were held with family and friends. Norma enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Whether it was camping or visiting with a neighbor, there were always many stories to be told. In recent years, Norma and John spent winters in Arizona, Texas, Mississippi and Florida. Some of her most cherished times were sitting on the porch at their home, listening to the early morning calls of the loons and seeing the activities on the lake. If there was a lady slipper to be found, Norma had a photo of it. Photos were a big part of time spent.Norma is survived by her husband, John of Park Rapids, MN; her sons: Richard (Rebecca Hamen) of Blaine, MN and John (Alaina Defoe) of Cloquet, MN; three grandchildren: Amber, Jesse and Johnna; one great-granddaughter, Lyndsey; her brother, Donald (Betty) Forester of West St. Paul, MN; her sister, Shirley (Wally) Snyder of Tower, MN; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Richard Forester.Memorial services will be held 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Lee Kantonen officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.