Norma Elaine Dahl was born September 10, 1939 to Theodore and Mable (Skoien) Dahl in Ada, MN. She grew up on a farm near Borup, MN. Norma was baptized and confirmed at Jevnaker Lutheran Church and at a young age, she came to faith in Jesus Christ through special meetings and loved the Lord all her days. Norma was united in marriage to Alvin Carlson on September 10, 1960 at Triumph Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN. The couple made their home in Moorhead for 11 years before moving to the farm east of Borup where they lived together until her death from ALS. Norma died Saturday, June 19, 2010 in her home under care of Hospice of the Red River Valley at the age of 70.

Her love of children and her strong faith was evident in her day to day living as she taught release time in Borup for 30 years. She also taught Sunday School and helped with Vacation Bible School. Over the years, Norma was a long time member of Jevnaker Ladies Aid and served as the church treasurer. She was also an active part of the string band, "Loose Strings" for many years. Norma was a kind individual with a smile always on her face. She loved people and was genuinely interested in their lives. Norma could often be found outdoors, whether it was walking, riding bike, gardening, writing in her daily journal or simply taking in nature's beauty. She was also an avid reader, singer and house cleaner. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Norma is survived by her husband, Al, Borup; son, Michael (Erin) Carlson, Borup; daughters, Melanie (Tim) Erickson, Rochester, MN, and Marla (Duane) Hushagen, Borup; eight grandchildren; brothers, Norman (Miriam) Dahl and Harvey (Dianne) Dahl, both of Borup; and sisters, Marjorie Nelson, Crystal, MN, and Thelma (Harvey) Zicafoose, Austin, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother-in-law, Allen Nelson.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Jevnaker Lutheran Church, rural Borup, MN, with a time of gathering one hour prior to the funeral. Officiating was Pastor Bill Helland with Alicha Matison serving as organist and Normas nephews serving as vocalists. Pallbearers were her nephews, Nathanael Dahl, Ben Dahl, Jon Dahl, Brian Dahl, Mark Dahl, Mardy Dahl and Keith Zicatoose. Honorary pallbearers were Kim Friedline, David Friedline, Conner Graves, Brittany Erickson, Kellen Erickson, Olivia Carlson, Elizabeth Carlson, Grant Carlson, Madeline Hushagen and Alissa Hushagen.

Burial was in Jevnaker Lutheran Cemetery, rural Borup.

Memorials preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley and Gideon's International.