Norma Ruth Hagenow

Tucson, Arizona – Norma was born on Sunday, April 26, 1942, in Minot, North Dakota. She was the middle child behind her older brother, Carl Lindlauf (deceased 2024) and her younger sister, Emily (Lindlauf) Armstrong. They were raised on a large farm in a rural area near Voltaire, North Dakota. Norma, along with Carl, Emily and parents Edwin & Ruth Lindlauf, shared a beautiful Christian loving home along with a rich sense of family and community. They were a family that truly treasured, loved and supported each other.

 

Norma thrived growing up on the farm. It was her first passion in life. She grew up riding horses, gardening, caring for animals, and cherished being by her father’s side with any job on the farm. Norma also loved helping with the cooking and baking, playing organ and singing. It was a cherished time with her family and friends that she talked about up until her final days.

 

She finished high school at Dakota Lutheran Academy and then her degree at Trinity Nursing School. In the Fall of 1963, Norma and Emily, set off for the long trip from the farm to her first job in Westville, Indiana. It was the start of her next passion in life: nursing.

 

During that first year, in a small church in Westville, mom met her soulmate, Arno Lee Hagenow. The stories of their courtship are legendary as Arno could make Norma laugh like no other! Norma and Arno chose to marry at her childhood church, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kongsberg, ND on August 23, 1964. The very same church for Norma’s funeral now 61 years later. Norma and Arno shared a very special and blessed marriage. They put Christ first and they praised Him in the good and trusted in Him thru the hard times. Norma was blessed with 56 years with Arno until he went to heaven in 2020.

 

Norma and Arno delighted in their three children; Edwin Lee Hagenow (born 6/29/1965 and deceased 6/5/2010), Jarrod Dean Hagenow (born 5/11/1967 and deceased 9/9/2009) and Katrina (Hagenow) Anderson (born 8/4/1969). They moved when the kids were very young from Indiana to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin to raise their family. Norma continued her nursing career at the hospital there in Fort Atkinson. In 1983, Norma accepted a position in Terre Haute, Indiana. After several years in Terre Haute and with Lee, Jarrod and Katrina grown, Arno and Norma made the choice to follow a career opportunity in Tucson, Arizona at St. Josephs Hospital. After Tucson, they continued to follow her career to Des Moines, Iowa for several years and then to her final position in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where she retired as CEO of Genesys Health System. Such joy Norma had in all her roles from bedside to leadership. So many huge challenges she never dreamed she’d encounter yet always faced with Arno at her side and Jesus in her heart. She always pushed for “person’s serving and person’s being served” throughout her entire career. Another phrase you could hear her share with everyone, even the nurses attending her up to her death at home.

 

Arno and Norma moved back to Iowa for retirement in 2009. But following the sudden deaths of their son Jarrod in 2009 and then Lee in 2010, they made the decision to make their final move back to Tucson, Arizona to be with their daughter in 2013. Norma remained in her home in Tucson with Katrina having moved in and at her side until the hour she went to heaven on September 6, 2025.

 

Norma is survived by her daughter Katrina (Hagenow) Anderson. She is also survived by her sister, Emily (Lindlauf) Armstrong and husband, Robert Armstrong. She is preceded in death by both her brother, Carl Lindlauf in 2024 and his wife, Judy Lindlauf.

 

Norma had great love and relationship with her “In-laws” as well. Joan (Hagenow) Smith (husband Ken Smith deceased), Irene (Hagenow) Gundlah (husband William Gundlah deceased) and Martin Hagenow and his wife Karen Hagenow.

 

Norma is also survived by her daughter-in-law Angela (Hagenow) Goering (widow of Jarrod Hagenow) and husband Darrell Goering. Her grandchildren were her joy: Breanna, Wyatt, Tanner, Tersha and Carlita. All now married to their soulmates and have a combined total of 23 great-grandchildren.

It can’t be missed that Norma had such close and loving relationships with her nieces and nephews 16 total, and even many great nieces and nephews. So many too numerous to share, but she loved one and all.

 

You could describe Norma with so many accolades such as loving, generous, kind, crazy-smart, beautiful smile, big heart, excellent organist, avid gardener, great listener (and speaker too), trusted friend, mentor, and of course, anything medical – Norma would be ready with expert advice. As Katrina’s former husband, Brian Anderson (deceased) always said, “Norma is the real deal.” She led her life with complete faith in Jesus, and she shared that with everyone. As her niece said at her death, “Norma’s life went past being full to overflowing with blessings” and Angie, her daughter in law added, “what a precious legacy.”

 

Memorials can be sent to Katrina Anderson in Tucson who will donate to Samaritan’s Purse – both Norma’s and Arno’s favorite charity. A funeral service will be held at St John’s Lutheran Church in Kongsberg, ND on Saturday, September 13 at Noon. A Memorial Service will also be held in Tucson, Arizona – date to be determined.

 

Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God; believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with Me; that where I am, you may be also.” John 14: 1-3

 

Thank you to Agape Hospice, most especially nurses Kyle & Tina for the exceptional loving and professional care. Also, special thanks to Kailey for her loving help and support this past year.

 

There will be a Memorial Service held on Saturday, September 20th at 10 am at Ascension Lutheran Church located at 1220 West Magee Road, Tucson AZ 85704