Norma Bell

Norma Lou Bell, 80, of Breckenridge, MN passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. Public visitation will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2018, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home in Breckenridge. The funeral service will be on Monday, February 5, 2018, at 10:30 AM at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Morgan officiating. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home in Breckenridge.

Norma was born on January 18, 1938, in Warrensburg, IL, the daughter of Herman and Opal (Harbarger) Flach. She grew up and attended school there, and after graduation, began working on the family farm. Norma was a major catalyst in her family’s achievement of the “Illinois Family Farm of the Year” award.

On August 8, 1958, Norma was united in marriage to Richard Bell at a chapel in Warrensburg. The couple then moved to a farm near Galesville, WI.  For the next 20 years Richard and Norma would spend their time working in agriculture throughout the Midwest. After this, they decided to settle down and begin their own farming operation in Breckenridge, MN. With their extensive knowledge in agriculture, they built one of the largest and most successful swine farms in the nation. After establishing the foundation of their business throughout the course of a decade, they moved to Swan Lake near Fergus Falls, MN. In 2004, Norma moved to the city Fergus Falls where she worked at Target as a dedicated employee until 2016. Most recently, she returned to Breckenridge to be closer to her family.

Norma had a great personality and a passion for caring for her friends, family, and her dog, Star. She demonstrated her love by cooking delicious meals for her family and friends; some of her family’s greatest memories were shared in her home. Norma adored her grandchildren and cherished spending as much time with them as possible. In particular, she loved attending their sporting events.  She will always be remembered for her amazing meals, her unwavering faith, and her heart for her family and friends.

Norma is survived by her children, Cynthia (Keith) Feickert of Eagan, MN, J.P. Bell and his partner, Stacey Johnson and her son, Noah Edwards of Duluth, MN, Steve (Jenny) Bell of Weatherford, TX, and Graydon Bell of Wahpeton, ND; 8 grandchildren, Jack Bell, Jenna Bell, Stuart Bell, Savanah Bell, Alexis Bell, Brianna Bell, Carlie Bell, and Madison Bell; one brother, Lyle Flach of Illinois; Sherry Bell and her son Parker, her dear friends Rosemary and Kim Cornell, and her faithful companion, Star.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Opal (Harbarger) Flach; brothers, Roger Flach and Jim Flach; and one sister, Ann Butcher.