Norman Alan Leistikow

About Norm

Norman Alan Leistikow finished a life well-lived at his farmhouse north of Park Rapids, Minnesota on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. His remarkable journey began on December 29, 1940 in rural Winneshiek County, Iowa, the third of six children born to Minnie Alida Nelson Leistikow and George Louis Carl Leistikow. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at Burr Oak Lutheran Church.

In 35 years as a social studies teacher, coach and cheerleader advisor in Bloomington, Minnesota, Norm left a lasting imprint on the lives of thousands of students. After the dismissal bell rang, Norm stayed for hours coaching and counseling his students. He was a mentor, friend, and father figure to any kid who needed one, and often gave his debaters a ride home at the end of a very long day. Then he devoted his weekends to taking them to tournaments, many of which they won.

Whether in the classroom or holding court at the dinner table, Norm was a prolific storyteller, engaging his audience for hours with yarns about growing up on the farm, playing pranks in college, racing his Austin Healey, snooping on bartenders as a private detective, and telling more than one fish story. Chewing the fat over a cup of coffee would last long after the coffee was cold and the sun had set. It didn’t matter if you’d heard the story before; he would tell it again.

The proud grandchild of immigrants, Norm passed on the lessons he learned from his family about showing kindness, working hard, being resourceful, and enjoying the life that you build. His dream of owning a small resort came true in 1973 when he and Marty bought Niawa Star Lodge on Skunk Lake—a place that constantly needed work but was also a source of endless fun. His mom used to describe him as someone who “bit off more than he could chew, and then proceeded to chew it.”

He spent his retirement years at Skunk Lake and his nearby farm, raising cows, mending fences, fixing plumbing, splitting firewood, raising sheds, building furniture, planting enormous gardens, and taking the docks in and out with his trusty tractor. He possessed a Tom Sawyer like ability to enlist friends, customers, and unsuspecting passersby in whatever chores needed doing.

Norm had a loving and deep connection with his siblings. Frequent visits, dinners and theater outings were great joys for him. He loved to hear about the happenings of his many nieces, nephews and granddaughters and took pride in bringing the family together as often as possible.

In 1967, Norm’s colleagues set him up on a date with a rival debate coach, Marty Batchelor. He told a friend that night he would marry her, and a year and a half later, he did. For 54 years, they have been side by side, sharing adventures, reading books together, exploring the country by station wagon, train and minivan, and raising two sons along the way. The love of his life, Marty ensured he could spend his final years at home, and saw him to his final sunset. While he goes on to the next adventure first, his heart remains with Marty.

Norm's family, friends, and former students remember him as a warm and bigger than life character, and are grateful for the love, laughter, and lessons he shared over the last 83 years.

Norm was preceded in death by his parents, sister Joanne, nephews Randy Leistikow and Tom Engebretson, and niece Kathy Engebretson and the Vikings’ Superbowl hopes.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marty, sons George (Melissa) and Dan (Alexandra Simbana) and seven well-loved granddaughters: Sydney, Hannah, Zoe, Brooklyn, Natalie Rose, Kathryn, and Adelaide. He is also survived by his brother Don (Linda), his sisters Carole Evenrud (Loren), Mary Casterton (Charles), and Doris Patterson (Randy) and brother-in-law Bruce Batchelor (Paulette).

memorial service

Funeral Services for Norm

February 9, 2024

Calvary Lutheran Church 112 Park Ave, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA

Service begins at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at Lake Emma Cemetery in the Spring.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home