Dr. Norbert Diekman, age 91, of Mahnomen, MN died April 4, 2016 at Bethany Care Center in Fargo, ND.

Norbert Theodore, the fourth child of Conrad and Anna (Jacobs) Diekman, was born on March 29, 1925, in Ogema, MN. He graduated from Waubun High School and entered the United States Navy in 1944.  Norbert proudly served during WWII as a waist gunner on a Patrol Bomber doing air to sea rescue missions.  Following his discharge in 1946, Norbert served in the reserves for an additional six years.  He then took two years of pre-dental training at St. John University and earned his Doctorate degree in dental surgery from the University of Minnesota in 1952.  Norbert then moved to Mahnomen and opened a family dental office.  Starting with a meager practice, Dr. Diekman built his business and honorably provided dental care to many generations of families in the Mahnomen area and surrounding communities.  Norbert was united in marriage to Margaret Gunderson on September 22, 1951, in Detroit Lakes, MN.  They made their home in Mahnomen and were blessed with six children. They also spent much of their family time together at a second home at Lake Ida and later spending the winter months in Arizona.  After 49 years in the profession, Dr. Diekman retired in 2001.

Norbert was very active in the Mahnomen community where he served on the city council for 16 years. He also was vice-mayor for five years, served as president of the St. Michaels School PTA for three years, was a member of the Library Club, and various other community committees. Professionally, Dr. Diekman was a life member of the Northwest District Dental Society, the Minnesota Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.  Over the years, he had many wonderful dental assistants whom he truly appreciated.  In his younger years, Norbert enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.  He took great pride in his yard and vegetable garden.  He also liked to make pickles and jerky to share with family.  Dr. Diekman enjoyed his profession and many of his patients became very dear friends.  He often took calls after work hours and was always willing to help during an emergency.  Norbert was an avid baseball fan and cheered for the Minnesota Twins.  He spent many hours and became a known face at Spring Training in Arizona while visiting his daughter, Barbara and grandson, Christopher.  He especially cherished his children and grandchildren and the time they spent at the lake together.  The many lessons he taught them about life, education, and work ethic will always be remembered.

Norbert is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Margaret of Mahnomen; three sons: Dr. Steven (Renee) of Fargo, ND, Mark of Mahnomen, and John (Lisa) of Victoria, MN; three daughters: Barbara Hartmann of Scottsdale, AZ, Maria (Craig) Renfrew of Ada, MN, and Carolyn Cordova of Pueblo, CO; 12 grandchildren: Hannah (Jonny) Ryding, Luke Diekman, Seth Diekman, Abby Diekman, Zach Diekman, Christopher Hartmann, Mike (Dani) Renfrew, Sara Renfrew, Brittany Cordova, Ryan Diekman, Adam Diekman and Nicholas Diekman; one great granddaughter, Ava Cordova; one brother, Wally (Betty); one sister-in-law, Shirley Gunderson; two brothers-in-law, Maurice Gunderson and Marvin Olson; nieces and nephews; Connie (Brian) Miles, Jerry (Terry) Diekman, Mike (Connie) Diekman, Kathy (Rodney) Nelson, Kara (Al) Kremer, Don (JoAnn) Mischke, Karen (Joe) Byer, JoAnn (Gary) Tingelstad, and Brian (Dawn) Mischke.  Norbert is preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Anna; one brother, Glenn; a sister, Lillian (Clarence); a brother-in-law, Bob Gunderson; a sister-in-law, Violet Olson; and a nephew, Glen (Nancy).

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00am on Monday, April 11, 2016, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation was at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Sunday, April 10, 2016, from 3:00pm until 5:00pm, with a Prayer Service at 4:30pm.  Interment was at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.