Funeral services for Norman L. Tommerson, 88, of Hettinger, ND will be Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hettinger Lutheran Church in Hettinger. Rev. Kathleen Dettmann will officiate and burial with Full Military Honors will follow at the Hettinger Cemetery. Visitations will be from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday afternoon.

Norman "Alky" Lyle Tommerson was born October 14th, 1923 in Hettinger, ND to Dr. Leif Norman and Mable (Knutson) Tommerson. He graduated from Hettinger High School in 1941, and in 1943 enlisted in the United States Navy serving as Signalman aboard the Liberty Ship U.S.S. Lucien B. Maxwell. His service during WWII was in the European Theater of Operations, including Normandy, France. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and subsequently signed up for the Naval Reserve.

Norman and Phyllis Fretheim were married March 3rd that same year in Baker, Montana. Norman soon after attended Dickinson State College where he excelled in basketball, and in which his team in 1983 was inducted into the DSC Athletic Hall of Fame. He had almost completed four years of college when he was re-called to active duty in the Pacific during the Korean Conflict. He had to leave his wife Phyllis and two week old Timmy, but with a promise to return. After his discharge (again) from the Navy he returned to Hettinger where he became part owner of what is now called Hettinger Mobridge Candy and Tobacco Company where he remained until his retirement in 1996.


They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary earlier this year. He was a great Dad, devoted family man and lifetime member of the Hettinger Lutheran Church. Norman enjoyed reading historical books, was an avid golfer, and loved Big Band music, especially Glenn Miller and his Orchestra.


Norman passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday November 18, 2011. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established.


Surviving family members include his wife Phyllis, Hettinger, ND; son, Tim and (Roberta) Tommerson, Yorba-Linda, CA; daughter, Barbara and (Pete) Korang, Hettinger, ND; son, David Tommerson, West Fargo, ND. Four Grandchildren; Evonne and (Steve) Provinzino, Joseph and (Mandy) Korang, Stephanie Tommerson, Sarah Tommerson; Three great grandchildren; Abby and Drew Provinzino and Johanna Korang.


Norman was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lorraine Schumacher.