Norman Minola

Norman A. Minola, 94, of Wakefield, NE, died on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Wakefield Health Care Center in Wakefield, NE. The memorial visitation will be on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Wakefield, NE. The memorial service will be on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the church, followed by military honors. The burial will be in the Wakefield Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Evangelical Covenant Church in Wakefield. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, NE.

Norman was born on October 10, 1930, in Carlin, Nevada, to James and Nevada (Whitmore) Minola. After graduating from Carlin High School, Norm earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nevada, Reno. He also did graduate work at the University of California at Berkley. Norm proudly served in the US Navy as a Second Lieutenant on the USS Saint Paul CA-73. After his return from the Navy, Norm met Jean Chinn of Wakefield, NE, at church while both were living in San Francisco. They were united in marriage on December 29, 1957, in Council Bluffs, IA and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. They had three daughters, Diane, Mary, and Leslie. The family traveled around the United States with Norm's job as an accountant and office manager until settling in Wakefield in 1973, where Norm and Jean owned and operated the True Value Home Center for many years. Norm loved working in his hardware store and was very active serving in the Wakefield community. Norm was known as a very kind man and was always willing to help others. He also loved his family dearly, as well as his church. He'll be greatly missed. Until we meet again.

Norman is survived by his daughters, Diane (Rob) Kusmer of Granger, IN, Mary (Wayne) Rastede of Allen, NE, Leslie Minola of Wakefield, NE; 7 grandchildren, Rachel Kusmer, Stephen Kusmer, Daphne Kusmer, David (Brooke) Rastede, Ross (Lauren) Rastede, Amber (Kyle) Sperry, Candice (Jordan) Cahill; 6 great-grandchildren, Phoebe Rastede, Matilda Rastede, Lenox Rastede, Mills Rastede, Kyler Sperry, and Blake Sperry.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, wife (Norma) Jean Minola; sister, Mary Dae (Penn) Fisher; and brother, Jimmy (Justine) Minola.