Norma Jean Cruz went home to Jesus on November 18, 2023 at the age of 69.
Norma Jean was born March 15, 1954, to Arnold and Bernice (Messerli) Bang in Cavalier ND. She was baptized on June 6, 1954, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Cavalier ND and confirmed on April 27, 1969, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato MN. She was a graduate of the class of 1972, the last graduating class of Cokato High School. She went on to work in the insurance field with Prudential, then United Health Care and finally Medica where she retired in 2020. After enjoying a short retirement, she went back to work with Medica.
Norma Jean was blessed with two wonderful children, Tom & Amy and two amazing grandchildren Landon & Britton. She had been praying for God to bless her with a loving husband and her prayers were finally answered in 2003 when she married her long-time boyfriend, Frank Cruz. They made their home in Cokato, Minnesota.
Norma Jean was devoted to her faith, her family and serving others. She spent countless hours volunteering and spreading the story and love of Jesus through programs such as Operation Christmas Child, Habitat for Humanity & Friendshare for KTIS, just to name a few. When she wasn’t giving of her time and talents, she also enjoyed baking, traveling, yard work, planting flowers, dining out and exercising. Her bible study and Medica prayer group were highlights in her week. She was also known to frequent the Caribou drive through to order 2 medium hot chocolates (½ milk chocolate, ½ dark chocolate with skim milk and no whip cream). But her absolute favorite thing to do was spend time with family, especially her grandkids.
Norma Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold & Bernice Bang, her sister, Marjorie Stewart, and her mother-in-law, Trinie Jenkins. She is survived by her husband, Frank Cruz, her children, Tom Glessing and Amy Glessing, and her grandsons, Landon Lee and Britton Glessing. She is also survived by her siblings Rick Bang, Nancy (Greg) Barrick, Al Bang, Mavis Noga, Marlene (Ron) Carlson, brother-in-law Marv Stewart, nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, December 15, 2023, at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato MN from 4 to 7 p.m. with prayer service at 6:30. Celebration of Life will be December 16, 2023, at Grace Hill Church in Cokato MN, at 10 a.m. with visitation one hour before.