Norman Wilson

Norman Festus Wilson was born on June 17, 1923 in Bloomfield, NE, the son of Festus and Leah (Long) Wilson. He attended and graduated from Bloomfield High School. On January 2, 1943 Norman married Alyce Stocking in South Sioux City, NE. Norman was enlisted into the US Navy in December of 1943 and was stationed in Oklahoma where he continued to enjoy the game of baseball. He was honorably discharged in February of 1946. The couple lived in Oklahoma, North Carolina, Georgia, Cuba, and Kentucky until moving to Springfield in 1953 to be a catcher for the Western Minny League. He managed the Springfield team from 1955 until 1963. Norman was employed with Minnesota Natural Gas Company and worked with the construction and maintenance crew. He retired from the Minnesota Natural Gas company in 1982, but continued to stay active with working at the Springfield Golf Club as a greens maintenance person. Norman and Alyce also volunteered to be the grounds keepers at the ball diamond. Norm was a member of the United Methodist Church in Springfield and the John Watson American Legion Post #257 in Springfield. Norm was inducted into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame on September 26, 1981 and enjoyed the honor of being named Mr. Baseball of Springfield on July 10, 2005. Norm was also honored with having a Baseball Field named after him. He enjoyed baseball, bowling, playing golf, hunting, fishing, and watching his grandchildren in their sporting events. Norman died on Friday, November 2, 2007 at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield at the age of 84 years. He is survived by his children - Connie (Bryan) Norum of Lakeville and Mark Wilson of South St. Paul; grandchildren - Michele Freeman and fianc John Purdie of Lakeville, Jolynn Spaeth and friend Scott Proulx of Prior Lake, Patrick Wilson and Nicolas Wilson both of South St. Paul; great grandchildren - Alexander Freeman, Hannah Freeman, and Taylor Spaeth; a sister-in-law - Evelyn Davids of Creighton, NE, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife - Alyce in 1992; a brother; and two sisters.