Norma Springer

A funeral service for Norma Jean (Meyer) Springer, 95, was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, March 10, 2025, at United Methodist Church in Gregory, SD, with Reverend Thanael Certa-Werner officiating. In addition to recorded music, several selections featured pianist Bette Fogel and soloist Trenton Seegers. Marcy Barber and Melanie Fast were in charge of registrations, and flower attendants were Margaret Heymeyer, Jolene Eichman, and Renee Hedrick. Casket bearers were Kim Kenzy Ulmer, Chris Kenzy, James Sargent, Travis Sargent, Ashley Sargent Bernard, Lindsey Springer Fiebelkorn, Dillon Springer, and Karley Springer Arizmendis.

Interment was at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Norma Jean Springer was born November 12, 1932, in Gregory, SD, to Edward Meyer and Helen (Zumpfe) Meyer and lived there the majority of her life. Her only sibling, Edwin, was born in 1928 and passed away in 2003. She attended Gregory Public School first through third grade until her parents moved to the farm seven miles south of Gregory. At this time she completed the remainder of her elementary school years at Gorden Country School. Norma attended High School in Gregory, graduating in 1950.

Shortly after graduation, Norma married Merrill Carl Springer. He was drafted into the army, and they moved to Ft. Riley, Kansas where their first daughter Sammilee was born in 1951. It was at this time that Norma became a Kansas City Chiefs fan. Upon Merrill’s discharge, they moved back to South Dakota and settled on the Springer homestead (five generations) north of Dixon near Buffalo Butte, where they raised their four children; Sammi, Mardi, Marshall, and Ronelle. They relocated into Gregory in 1985 when Marshall took over the family farm that has been in the family since 1920.

During her formative years, along with being a busy farm wife and mother, she enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, raising chickens, sewing, music, painting, bowling, playing cribbage and pitch, running a green house and traveling. Norma and Merrill visited all 50 states except Hawaii. Norma was involved in the American Legion Auxiliary, 4-H, and the Sunshine Club – always trying to plant some beauty in the town she loved.

Norma resided in Silver Threads Assisted Living from 2019 to October of 2024 and then moved to Arrowhead Nursing Home in Rapid City until her passing on Feb. 28, 2025 surrounded by the family she loved so much.

Norma is survived by her four children: Sammi Kenzy (Bob), Mardi Sargent (John), Marshall Springer (Colleen), and Ronelle Benson (Gary); eight grandchildren: Kim Kenzy Ulmer, Chris Kenzy, James Sargent, Travis Sargent, Ashley Sargent Bernard, Lindsey Springer Fiebelkorn, Dillon Springer, and Karley Springer Arizmendis; 17 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband Merrill, her parents, and her brother Edwin.